The Soloist (Berkley Books) by Steve Lopez takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the world of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a black musician and paranoid schizophrenic.
The amazing story written by a Los Angeles Times journalist, begins with a chance encounter by Lopez as he hears violin music while walking along the street. He looks around to investigate. On a corner, he finds a man in his fifties, dressed in rags, exquisitely playing Beethoven on a battered violin with some missing strings.They strike up a conversation.
In the encounter, Lopez sees the possibility of a column, but as he investigates further, he uncovers a man of immense complexity and talent, and unfortunately, a consuming mental illness that has taken him from a promising young musician at Juilliard to the depths of life as a street person in the harrowing ghettoes of Los Angeles.
Lopez recognizes the gift of Ayers’ brilliance and is obsessed with trying to help him, only to be rebuffed at every turn. Ayers trusts no one, convinced that people will steal belongings from his shopping cart. The journalist writes about the street musician and spurs interest among his readership. In his attempts to help Ayers, Lopez explores the possibility of finding suitable housing. He tracks down Ayers’ family, seeks professional mental help, even goes to Juilliard in New York to try to find the missing pieces that might help Ayers put his life back together. Lopez’ efforts result in the musician’s angry outbursts, disinterest and crushing disappointments. Lopez doesn’t give up and seeks common ground for his down-and-out friend with professional symphonic musicians, arranging to watch performances, meeting the musicians in person, even setting up appointments for him to play for a member of the philharmonic orchestra.
Although Lopez knows he is straining his own family and professional life of time and considerable funds, he doggedly attempts to find a better life for Ayers. On the way, Lopez learns about the power of classical music, the crippling affects of schizophrenia, and is able to see with more clarity why people end up living on the street.
The Soloist is written with compassion, heart and humanity. It’s a heartbreaking read, yet it leaves room for hope. I’ll never again look at street people without remembering this poignant story.