Lisa Genova imparts wisdom through fictional characters about such grave things that are incomprehensible, but wow does she ever have a way to shed light on these monumental topics that does not make the subject less dire, rather calls attention to it, as is the case of her new novel EVERY NOTE PLAYED, where she tackles the horrid disease ALS. In the book, she depicts how this fatal illness has taken over a man’s life’s work as an accomplished classical pianist as he faces the ultimate betrayal – the loss of the use of his hands and eventually so much more. A disease so tragic that it is hard to fathom how it ravages the human body. Through the story, we come to understand such depth of despair and a call to action for a cure must be found. We learn how it is not just about the person who has ALS, but his loved ones as well. While Richard, the protagonist, endures pain, loss, heartache, and ultimately the end that is near, his family must come to terms right alongside him.
If you’ve read any of Genova’s work before, you will know that she is not only a writer but a neuroscientist and as any great author does, she is thorough in her research. With an astute medical mind and an eagerness to present a thoughtful scientific approach, the author also gives us a look at what is stirring emotionally for the suffering individual as ALS takes over.
EVERY NOTE PLAYED is not just about a man who is sick, who has reached the pinnacle of his career but failed in his marriage. It is also about his wife. And, how she has come to terms with her role in life and her reaction to the news about her ex-husband.
Genova has woven an intricate story about marriage, devotion, finding happiness, coping, and, forgiveness.