Marguerite Duras' 1958 novel, Moderato Cantabile , is characterized by a sparse, repetitive, and experimental style centered on a piano lesson and the aftermath of a murder. The narrative unfolds through short, emotional dialogues that mirror a musical structure, building in intensity to a climactic, yet understated, conclusion.You can find the full text of the novel in both English and French to borrow or read through the Internet Archive or the Open Library . 'Moderato Cantabile' by Marguerite Duras - Reading Matters