Lisa Genova's novel Every Note Played is her homage to Richard Glatzer, director of the movie Still Alice which was based on Genova's book. Glatzer had ALS and directed the movie by typing on an iPad with one finger. He died shortly after Julianne Moore received an Academy Award for her role in the movie.
The novel offers an unflinching and detailed recreation of how ALS destroys a man's ability to voluntarily move his muscles. And it shows the impact of ALS on family members, the financial burden, and the gut-wrenching choices patients are faced with.
Concert pianist Richard's career is stopped when symptoms of ALS affect his performance. He is still in the early stages when his ex-wife Karina learns of his situation and is compelled to visit him.
When Karina realizes there is no one to care for Richard, she invites him back into their family home. While she takes on more of his care, both she and Richard grapple with their past history and their personal culpability in the demise of their marriage. Richard must also make amends with his estranged daughter, father, and brothers.
At times the book feels 'teachy' as Genova is a neuroscientist and does want to educate readers. But she does a wonderful job of creating characters that readers can connect to and care about.
ALS is a disease that gives me the chills. As a teenager, I heard about a woman in a wheelchair whose husband set her in front of a television when he left for work. He did not know if she was sentient. To be imprisoned in one's body and unable to communicate or respond to pain or bodily needs is a nightmare come true.
And yet Genova manages to create a hopeful and whole acceptance for her characters. We are not left in despair. We are left in awe of the human spirit.
I received a free book from the publisher through GoodReads in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I previously read Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova. Read my review here.
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Every Note Played
by Lisa Genova
Published January 29, 2019
Gallery/Scout Press
ISBN 1476717818 (ISBN13: 9781476717814)
$16 paperback
