Contrary Motion: A Novel

Matt Grzbc has one unshakeable ambition: to become the lead harpist in a major orchestra. He is currently practicing to audition for the St. Louis orchestra, one of the ten best in the country. Left to his own devices, Matt would solely dedicate himself to audition prep, but his life is in turmoil. Recently divorced, Matt is trying to navigate the single man’s world by dating an ambitious and beautiful lawyer. He’s also doing his best to help his troubled daughter. Add to this a recently deceased father, a new gig playing for hospice patients, and troubles with performance in the bedroom, and Matt’s focus isn’t what he’d like it to be. Is the harp the most important thing in Matt’s life? What will he sacrifice to achieve his goal?
Matt Grzbc is a difficult character to like. Self-obsessed and self-centered, Matt used to pride himself on his robot-like demeanor and dedication. Even he realizes that demeanor is not going to bring him closer to the people he loves. His neuroses are supposed to be funny, but I thought they were sad. I found it hard to watch him flounder and to botch one interaction after another. Perhaps a male audience would be more understanding and empathetic to his situation, particularly his struggles with intimacy.