Book Blog: The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman
THE SECOND ENDING by Michelle Hoffman
★★★★★
This incredible debut novel beautifully details the ups and downs of being a musician - the passion, the pressure, and most importantly the internal struggles - but manages to deliver them in such a way that it makes you laugh rather than cry.
Weaving between multiple stories centered around Prudence Childs, a former child prodigy, and virtuoso Alexei Petrov, a young and restless pianist who desperately seeks a life outside his keyboard, this narrative creatively and expertly kept both plot points interesting, engaging, and surprisingly hilarious.
Prudence, a loveable, albeit emotional character who spends the early chapters insisting “she’s going to start a book club”, is afraid to jump back into the musical world after being exploited as a child prodigy. Writing a hugely successful jingle post-conservatory allowed her to live a successful life, but she misses the thrill of creating genuine art. Her imposter syndrome flares when an old secret is threatened, and she decides to reignite her spark (and hopefully win the money to pay off her blackmailer) by competing in a piano competition.
Other characters come in and out of the narrative, featuring a former ballerina turned HOA authoritarian, Prudence’s somewhat rock n’ roll ex-husband who doesn’t really “get art”, and her current husband Stuart, who offers nothing but stability and practicality in an artistic world brimming with chaos. Each character is incredibly well-rounded, has a clear voice and style, and offers a deep motivation for all their choices throughout the novel.
Meanwhile, Alexei has been consumed by music and the weight of his parents expectations his entire life, and uses the competition as a way to expand beyond what he has always been taught. Any musician will know the struggle between technical perfection and emotional expression - extra tough for Alexei when he’s been allowed no emotional expression whatsoever. His thoughts wander often to a girl he met at conservatory, and he strives to perform something that will give him the confidence to liberate himself from the confines of perfection.
What doesn’t this book have? Plot holes, poorly motivated characters, or really any flaws whatsoever. The writing is sublime, with every line pushing the story forward. The themes of musicianship are deeply personal, and are sure to make an impact on anyone who has struggled with practicing, performing, or pursuing their passions.
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“The heartwarming, feel-good debut of the year.”—J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of The Lager Queen of Minnesota
“Wild, witty, and bright. This is the novel for anyone who has ever wished they could reinvent their lives. I loved every page.”—Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters
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In their disparate quests for purpose and fulfillment, both Prudence and Alexei share a common thread woven with the notes of self-discovery. “Heartwarming” is the most accurate word to describe this incredible debut novel. Most importantly, there is a strong, well-rounded resolution for every character, and truly gives meaning to what it means to create a “second ending”.
Find The Second Ending at your local library or shop at Bookshop.org!
