Nodame Cantabile

A music student who dreams of studying abroad and conducting like his mentor is grounded by his fear of flying. Then he meets a classmate who cannot cook, clean or read a score, but who plays the piano with astonishing, unpredictable life. The premise is a warm and funny pairing of talent and nerves.The strongest element is the lead pair. Nodame is an offbeat, memorable heroine, and her gift is portrayed with real charm. The story has a genuine feel for music, and the comedy is affectionate.The weakness is length. Across its long run, some arcs feel episodic, and the music-world details can become dense for readers who do not know the field. The pace shifts between comedy and earnest drama.If you enjoy stories about music and the people who make it, this is a standout. It is funny, warm and musically alive. Expect eccentric performances, nervous conductors and a story about finding the courage to keep playing.