by Lisa Genova
Every Note Played is the
latest novel from Lisa Genova, neuroscientist turned bestselling author of titles
such as Still Alice and Love, Anthony, stories that deal with early
onset Alzheimer’s and parental loss and grief.
This latest gem goes inside ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease,
as we follow the decline of Richard who has been recently diagnosed with the illness.
Richard is a renowned
concert pianist and this diagnosis signals the end of his career and life as he
knows it. His career defines him; it is his life, his reason for living. We
meet Richard living with the loss of his right hand, the cancellation of his
upcoming tour and his attempts at finding left-hand piano pieces. While mostly
in denial about the progression of the disease, he knows it is only a matter of
time before his left hand will also become paralyzed. As the disease moves
through his body, he will have to come to grips with his loss of the piano, his
livelihood and the ability to care for himself.
Karina is Richard’s
ex-wife. It has been three years since Richard moved out, but she dwells on the
past and has not moved on with her life. She blames Richard for the life she
has, having given up on becoming a successful concert pianist in her own right,
to support him in his career. She spends her days teaching piano and hiding
behind the blame instead of pursuing her dream.
As Richard’s disease
advances, Karina becomes his caregiver, eventually moving him back into their
family home. Their sharing of the same home again brings up many of the past
conflicts that neither of them has resolved. Richard’s deteriorating health
becomes a ticking clock for Karina and Richard to reconcile the past before it
is too late.
This story delves into the
human side of ALS and how it affects those afflicted, not only the disease
ridden Richard, but those around him who care for and about him. As a
neuroscientist, Genova has a deep knowledge of the things she writes about. She
creates real characters in real situations and does not gloss over the nasty
bits. Whether you love them or hate them, the reader genuinely feels for the
characters and is right there with them as they deal with their lot.
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