Crooner by Kazuo Ishiguro. Short summary

5 seconds

In Venice, an American singer, experiencing difficulties with his wife, meets a young guitarist from a Polish café. He agrees to accompany the singer as he serenades his wife at night.

1 minute

A story from the collection «Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Twilight.» Young guitarist Ian, who earns his bread by playing in street orchestras in Venice, meets former pop star, aging guitarist Tony Gardner.

Jan, whose mother was an ardent admirer of Gardner’s talent, is flattered by this acquaintance and is ready to do his new acquaintance any favor. On learning about the difficult relationship between Tony and his wife Linda, the young musician agrees to help the celebrity. He accompanies the singer as he serenades his wife from the gondola.

But Jan does not realise that he is doing the bear a favour. Under the guise of surprising his beloved wife, Tony puts his talent to the test. Unfortunately for Linda, the test proves successful. A few months later, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are divorced.