English Music (novel)

English Music is a novel by Peter Ackroyd, published in 1992. The novel is a postmodern work that blends elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and detective fiction. It tells the story of Timothy Harcombe, a London-based stage magician and ventriloquist living in the early 20th century who embarks on a surreal and often unsettling journey.

Timothy possesses a unique talent: he can absorb and re-enact the experiences and emotions of others, literally embodying them. This ability leads him on a quest to understand the nature of "English Music," a concept which encompasses not just musical compositions but also the underlying spirit and character of England itself, and a sense of hidden and ancient truths.

The narrative is fragmented and dreamlike, incorporating historical figures like John Dee and Isaac Newton, and exploring themes of identity, memory, the occult, and the relationship between the past and present. Timothy's journey takes him from London to the English countryside, encountering bizarre characters and experiencing increasingly strange and disturbing events as he delves deeper into the mysteries of English Music.

The novel is noted for its dense prose, intricate symbolism, and its blending of historical detail with fantastical elements. It is considered a challenging but rewarding read, offering a complex and multifaceted exploration of English identity and the power of the imagination.