Stevens, Nell

Unexpectedly light in tone, Stevens’s story of patriarchal abuse is sadly familiar in outline. What stands out, aside from the powerful rendering of Chopin’s music, is the daring, desire-drenched Blanca. For a historical character, she can sound annoyingly like a contemporary teenager, but readers of all stripes will embrace her.

Equal parts personal memoir and history, Stevens's latest will appeal to anyone who has struggled with love, loss, and facing an uncertain future.

A treat to read, this book is definitely a genre bender, perfect for readers of literary fiction, short story collections, and/or creative writing memoirs.