Every Note Played

Genova's (Still Alice; Inside the O'Briens) latest book chronicles the sad demise of a concert pianist who is stricken with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Through memories and flashbacks, the novel details the tumultuous relationship of selfish musician Richard Evans and ex-wife Karina, who reconnects with him as his illness progresses. Like Jodi Picoult, Genova has found a literary niche featuring a protagonist dealing with unbearable illness. The structure of her stories can be formulaic, but Genova is sensitive in how she conveys the way an illness can shape and change family relationships. At times, her prose is marred by trite clichés and unnecessary explanations—the author is at her best when she trusts that her readers will understand what she is trying to express. She is honest and unflinching when it comes to the details of a disease, but when her characters aren't particularly likable, it's hard to care about what happens to them.