The Master Pipers (1852) is a love story set in central France. Sand's exploration of the developing relationships of two sets of lovers underlines her belief that both partners in a marriage should consider themselves equal. The novel also gives a vivid picture of local customs, speech, and dances, and Sand investigates the nature of music, particularly through the predicament of Joseph, a talented child whose very gift renders him incapable of communicating with others until he discovers the musical instruments that will allow him to speak.