The perfect summer read, this debut follows two talented musicians on a dueling piano show as they reclaim their love of music. Prudence is a former child star, known for her prodigious piano talent, who stepped away from the spotlight when she was old enough to be independent. Alexei is an exhausted young Internet sensation with helicopter parents who care only about his playing. Their stories harmonize with one another as they change the composition and their ending, and The Second Ending is certain to strike a chord with music lovers. Keep reading to hear how being a musician has impacted Michelle Hoffman as a writer.
The world in general is pretty reductive: Entire cultures are routinely reduced to two or three symbolic elements. Romans wore togas and lounged about drinking wine and hosting orgies. Imperial Germany was a land of helmets and mustaches and steins of dark beer. And the Irish drink Guinness, wear green, and get into spirited Quiet Man-esque fistfights. […]