The Soloist: A Lost Dream, and Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez is a nonfiction account of the relationship between the author and Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless musician. Lopez is a Los Angeles Times writer who notices Ayers on Skid Row playing Beethoven on his used and decrepit violin. He becomes intrigued and frequently returns initially for a work project which later leads to friendship. He slowly and eventually earns the trust of Ayers. He learns that the homeless man had previously been a student at Julliard School with a promising career as a violinist; lost to mental illness. The review by National Public Radio describes how Lopez’ columns detailing Ayers and his situation inspired readers to send instruments to Ayers to help him foster his talent and better his living situation (2009). Lopez and Ayers shared a distinctive friendship. Lopez worked hard to help Ayers; in the end both men are helped by the friendship and time together.
A gifted and talented musician, Ayers was accepted into Julliard but is unable to deal with the competitive nature and tough schedule of the university. He develops schizophrenia during his second year at Julliard and it eventually becomes too much for him and leads to his mental breakdown and subsequent homelessness. Although this story relates the events, trials and tribulations of Nathanial Ayers, it is evident that he is not the only one who gains insight and personal growth. Through their years of friendship, Lopez discovers his own values and those of human nature. This story is compassionate and moving; demonstrating how lives are changed for the better when we attempt to help others.
The author uses wit, humor and raw truth to describe the sensitive subject of homelessness as well as the rarely discussed topic of schizophrenia. During an interview by Lauren Williams of the New York Times Online, Lopez describes himself as an “angry dinosaur of journalism” . . . and . . . “thinking his story would just fill another deadline” (2009). This demonstrates the misunderstanding that prevails in society’s concept of homelessness – their self worth and purpose in life. Too often the homeless are ignored and left for others to feed and help. Lopez initially felt the same way, simply trying to meet a press deadline. The journey of seeing Ayers as a person, coming to appreciate his life history and the reasons for his homelessness was the beginning for Lopez to see the world differently; including how he perceived himself.
As Lopez helps Ayers reconnect to music and a more dignified way to live, the book describes the accomplishments and hindrances of helping someone dealing with mental illness and homelessness. “He’s got an apartment, but he has begun upsetting the neighbors and management by drawing on the walls inside and out. What do I do now?” (Lopez, 229) Dealing with these hardships is only a portion of the factors involved. Helping reinvent someone who has been living in the gutter is tumultuous; it is riveted with moral and ethical dilemmas. Lopez has to balance his commitment and understand the boundaries of human nature and individualism. Ayers has succumbed to a life of destitution and poverty. However, he retains his musical abilities and passion for music. Lopez continues throughout the story to try and help Ayers. Awareness of how much help a person really wants is something Steve Lopez must view and realize is a moral and ethical dilemma.