To be timelessly valued, literature needs to trigger an engagement and re-evaluation of thought, feeling and perception not just to entertain with an intriguing plot. Maestro by Peter Goldsworthy is very emotive, this is achieved through the mystery of Keller and Paul's first person recount of his maturation through adolescence. Our thoughts and perceptions of war, beauty, perfection and passion. Thematic concerns of `the destruction of the illusion of beauty', technical perfection and beauty allow readers to develop empathy towards and understanding of Paul's adolescent experiences and the perfection and empowering of the passion in art. Through the development and background of Paul and Keller, Goldsworthy's writing styles and sometimes puzzling maxims we come to value the precious that is life. My perceptions of and thoughts on depth of beauty, devastation and love have been challenged and rethought by reading Maestro.

The mystery of Keller's character forms a...