Every Note Played by Lisa Genova @LisaGenova #AudiobookReview #ALS #UglyCryRead

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heartbreaking Stars

Synopsis

An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination 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 from 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 no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard’s muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it’s too late.

Poignant and powerful, Every Note Played is a masterful exploration of redemption and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness.

Review

Oh my goodness this book certainly hits you right in the feels!

This is all about the story of Richard and Karina, they were married for a while, but it all kind of went pear-shaped and they split a few years ago, they have a daughter between them, Grace, who is currently at University, and doesn’t really have much to do with her father.

Richard is a pianist, a really famous concert pianist, he has played all over the world, and has many fans and admirers, Richard loves this, he loves that fact that people love him, he is quite an arrogant man.

Karina is also a pianist, she prefers Jazz, she gave up her dream as a performer to support Richard in his dream.
The thing is, Richard took advantage of this, while he was away playing with the orchestra, Karina was looking after their new baby, Richard however was looking after his own needs with other women!

Karina couldn’t take it anymore, and rightly left him!

Richard is unfortunately diagnosed with ALS, he tries his best to cope with it on his own for a while, but after a strange twist of fate and a wrong number dialled, Karina ends up being his carer.

This book pulls no punches in relation to this awful disease, it starts from the twitching in the muscles, and takes us through every terrible thing that can happen after diagnosis, like the wheelchair, or the fact that your body locks itself, or that you can’t swallow, or that you have the option of recording your own voice and “banking” it, because after a while you won’t be able to talk / eat / chew anymore.

A big shout out also has to go for the guys who help care for people diagnosed with ALS, they are angels in a time of hell for the person with this awful disease, their time and patience with these people is remarkable.

You may know a little about ALS, like seeing Stephen Hawkins, or you took part in the ice Bucket challenge to raise money for it.

You may have first hand experience of this silent killer, I luckily for one have not, but i sure do send my hugs & prayers to anyone that has.

Not everyone is like Stephen Hawkins, in fact ALS will probably kill within 3 years, it is a devastating disease, and i hope one day that we find a cure, because currently there is NOTHING!

I didn’t realise that Lisa Genova was a neuroscientist, but after reading Still Alice & this book, it kind of makes sense, she knows exactly what she is talking about, and pulls no punches and rightly makes no apologies for it.

It broke my heart, but i am am so glad i read it

Prepare yourself for this one, it’s a tough read.

Find your hankies,

Vicci