“Discovering her genius was like slowly unwrapping a gift. First the ribbon, then the paper, then the box, all the while anticipating the treasure inside. Prudence understood that the gift could only be accessed through practice.”
The Second Ending, Michelle Hoffman
I started this book with zero expectations beyond “a mother struggling with her new stage in life duels in a piano contest against a man in his twenties.” I ended this book with a swell of love for the entire cast of characters and a sense of contentment I rarely get finishing a book. Hoffman’s debut novel is beautifully written, with a quickly-paced, multiple-POV story that has you flying to the ending.
The main characters, Prudence and Alexei, are both compelling and complex. The side characters are individually charming, with half of them rooting for Prudence and Alexei, and the other half plotting elaborate schemes to ruin the main characters’ lives. The story centers on the pianists’ musical talents, and the writing makes the music come to life as you read.
Ready for my full review (with spoilers)? Continue reading here!
Over, this was a fun romp through middle-age blasé and mid-twenties paralysis. It’s definitely going to be in my top 10 for 2023 books!
Read with Fern 
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