Petrik, the son of landowner Popelsky, was blind from birth. Anna Mikhailovna, his mother, infinitely loving and cherishing the boy, tries to surround him with excessive care and raises him like a rare, fragile flower. Her brother Maxim—an invalid who lost a leg in the fields of battle—sees danger in overprotecting the child. He tries to teach his nephew independence and bring him up so that he won’t feel inferior.
Learning about the world through hearing and touch, Petya develops an acute sensitivity to sounds. Gradually, he develops a unique musical hearing—an above-given gift granted to him in place of sight—helping him come to terms with blindness, to plant love and kindness in his heart instead of злoba and suffering, and to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The novella “The Blind Musician,” rare in its power of optimism, is touching and lyrical. It tells about goodness and love, loyalty and compassion—and at the same time teaches courage and resilience regardless of any life circumstances.