I am a huge fan of Lisa Genova's books and this one did not disappoint. It is the story of Richard, an accomplished concert pianist who is diagnosed with ALS (Motor Neurone Disease). It follows the decline of his body and how this changes his relationship with his ex-wife Karina who reluctantly becomes his carer.
Lisa Genova's books tackle serious diseases and tell the stories of how it feels to live with them, for the individual and those around them. Every Note Played is a sensitive and raw portrayal of what it is like to live with MND. I like that the author makes her characters feel real, rather than choosing to make them bear their suffering with angelic and unrealistic patience. Richard is arrogant and selfish and fights against his failing body with anger and denial, and yet I still felt sympathy for him.
I enjoyed seeing the way that Richard and Karina's relationship changed as his illness progressed. It is by no means a book with a happy ending, but nor is it a manipulative tear-jerker. It felt incredibly real and believable and I felt that it gave me an insight into what it is like to live with such a devastating disease.
Lisa Genova's books tackle serious diseases and tell the stories of how it feels to live with them, for the individual and those around them. Every Note Played is a sensitive and raw portrayal of what it is like to live with MND. I like that the author makes her characters feel real, rather than choosing to make them bear their suffering with angelic and unrealistic patience. Richard is arrogant and selfish and fights against his failing body with anger and denial, and yet I still felt sympathy for him.
I enjoyed seeing the way that Richard and Karina's relationship changed as his illness progressed. It is by no means a book with a happy ending, but nor is it a manipulative tear-jerker. It felt incredibly real and believable and I felt that it gave me an insight into what it is like to live with such a devastating disease.