Now a major motion picture starring Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe. New York Times Bestseller Ann Patchett's award winning, bestselling novel that balances themes of love and crisis as disparate characters learn that music is their only common language-now a major motion picture starring Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe. Somewhere in South America, at the home of the country's vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of the powerful...

In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits. Officer Meg Barrett holds the responsibility for the town's children in her hands. Will Thwaite, reluctantly entrusted with the care of his two grandchildren by the daughter who left home years earlier, stands by helplessly and wonders if he has failed his child again....