Richard is a famous pianist; his job is his life. But his whole world shatters when he is diagnosed with ALS (MND in the UK). Without his hands, what is he? Karina is his ex wife. She was also a pianist, destined for great things until Richard's career took over and swamped her own. Grace is their daughter; an only child, she's the one thing that Karina and Richard still have between them. This is their story. As Richard's illness progresses, in horrendous ways that a fit and healthy person cannot even begin to contemplate, their lives entwine once more.
As usual with Lisa Genova, you know that this is going to be a no holds barred, gritty descent into heartache. With ALS you also know that there's never going to be a happy ending. But in contrast with this there is light and hope and acceptance. Throughout the darkest days of Richard's life there is kindness, positivity (I loved Bill his carer so so much) and sometimes humour. The detailing of Richard and Karina's past relationship was fascinating and also so bittersweet; the secrets, the deceptions, the sacrifices, all of what could have been but wasn't.
As usual with Lisa Genova, you know that this is going to be a no holds barred, gritty descent into heartache. With ALS you also know that there's never going to be a happy ending. But in contrast with this there is light and hope and acceptance. Throughout the darkest days of Richard's life there is kindness, positivity (I loved Bill his carer so so much) and sometimes humour. The detailing of Richard and Karina's past relationship was fascinating and also so bittersweet; the secrets, the deceptions, the sacrifices, all of what could have been but wasn't.