Get the Kleenex out. This book is sad. Depressing. But knowledge abounds about a devastating disease that currently has no known cause or cure, although genetics and environmental toxins as well as smoking, are known risk factors.
STORY SUMMARY
Richard Evans is a well-known, brilliant concert pianist. He lives on Commonwealth Ave in Boston. He is only in his mid-40s. He is the ex-husband of Karina, who was born and raised in Poland until she went to college to study piano. It is at college where the two pianists met. Karina favors jazz and Richard has always favored classical music. They have one daughter, Grace, who is studying at the University of Chicago. Karina and Grace still live in the house that Richard purchased in their early years, in a suburb of Boston.
Richard has received standing ovations all over the world. He has played at some of the most famous concert halls: Lincoln Center in NYC, Symphony Hall in Boston, and has appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the London Symphony....he's played all over the world and was never home much to help raise Grace or to support Karina. Karina and Richard have been divorced for three years when the story opens.
Now, Richard has been diagnosed with ALS and there is no family history of it. He was raised by middle class parents in rural New Hampshire, and his two older brothers were much more loved by their dad because they chose more typical "boy" hobbies like sports. Richard was constantly put down for his love of piano by his father. He has not seen his father in many years and has no desire to contact him now. His mother did support his love for music and made sure he had a piano to practice on and took him to his lessons and recitals. Richard's mother died when he was about to enter college. Piano playing was Richard's very life. It was the essence of him.
And now he cannot play a note.
He has lost the use of his arms and hands. Soon, the rest of his body will become paralyzed and his communication will be computer generated.
Meanwhile, Karina is just learning about Richard's diagnoses. She still hasn't moved on from the divorce and blames Richard for her own lackluster career teaching piano to children who are taking lessons only so it looks good on their college applications. She always wanted to be a jazz pianist and when Richard took a job teaching at the Conservatory in Boston, she had to leave NYC where jazz is much more accepted and appreciated than in the city of Boston.
She blames Richard for her failed career, and her failed marriage.
Soon, Richard becomes unable to live alone and Karina becomes his caretaker....she does it stoically but her heart really isn't into it. Richard's entire body begins to fade...his muscles, his voice, and his breath. And Karina wants to try to reconcile the past before it's too late.
Will she be able to? Will Richard ever reconcile with his dad and brothers?
MY THOUGHTS
An excellent book about the devastation that ALS brings to a human being.
It touches on the thoughts, feelings and lack of hope that this horrible disease brings. The book is heavy and depressing but at the same time it is poignant and very powerful as we read about the redeeming power of forgiveness and finding peace because of forgiving.
The character development is exquisite as are all the characters in a Genova story. She really brings them to life. The ending is difficult. But powerful.
This book is short, and I should have read it in 1-2 days but it took about a week because it was so draining on the emotions. I have loved every Genova book I've read, but this one is definitely not a fave of mine. It's just so.....sad.
It tore at my heart strings because I too was a piano major in undergrad school and once dreamed (very short dream!!) about being a concert pianist. However, I had the emotion behind the music, just not the technique nor drive. But I loved reading about all the composers Richard loved and of course I love many of the same ones.
My heart broke for Grace. I found my self getting frustrated with Karina. And the pity I felt for Richard......he was a brave person.
The author does an excellent job, as always, of helping the reader understand this horrible neurological disease. May we pray that someone finds a cure.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 9.
1 comment:
I have this coming up really quick on my pile. I didn't read the review because I want to go into it totally "blind". But I have really liked most of her other stories and have learned alot in each one about some really horrific diseases.
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