Every Note Played

⭐⭐/5


"An accomplished pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare domination of emotional resonance and flawless technique.  Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision.  That was eight months ago.

Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed.  His fingers are impotent, still devoid of possibility.  The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce - his divorce.  He knows his left arm will go next.

Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture form the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead.  But she still hasn't moved on.  Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.

When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is not longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his caretaker.  As Richard's muscles, voice and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before its too late."


I have loved two previous Lisa Genova novels - Left Neglected and Still Alice so I was anticipating a terrific, haunting read.  I was disappointed.  It was very long on the technical aspect of ALS and short of the character and relationship development.  The characters felt cardboard with the only one I enjoyed in the end being the wonderfully, full-of-life home health aid, Bill.  He was a joy to have in a scene.  Perhaps I've read too many in a row of sadness, death and disease.  But in the end I was glad to be done with Every Note Played!