Michelle Hoffman’s 2023 debut novel, The Second Ending, published by Penguin Random House, introduces the reader (or listener, there’s an audiobook!) to a heartfelt story of rediscovery, set in Hoffman’s home state of Arizona. Hoffman, a former arts and entertainment writer for The Arizona Republic and a pianist trained from a young age, brings a nuanced, insider perspective to her portrayal of classical music and the life of a concert pianist.
The story centers on Prudence Childs, a middle-aged woman who, after raising her daughters and watching them head off to college, finds herself in the throes of empty-nest syndrome and a midlife crisis. Though her life has become more about others than herself, she begrudgingly returns to the piano, an instrument she once mastered as a child prodigy touring the world. Although she had set her concert career aside to build a comfortable life composing famous commercial jingles, Prudence’s soon rekindled passion for the piano forces her to confront unresolved aspects of her past—ones that threaten the stability she’s worked so hard to maintain.
Alongside Prudence, we meet Alexei Petrov, a young star pianist and host of the flashy reality TV show Alexei Petrov’s Dueling Piano Wars. As a central character, Alexei represents a new generation of performers, and his intense, competitive nature contrasts with Prudence’s more introspective journey. Together, their paths cross in ways that bring both humor and tension, ultimately challenging them to face what music means to them on a deeper level.
I initially picked up this book on a recommendation from a fellow piano teacher in the Facebook group Piano Teacher Central. Being drawn to stories of women pianists, both fictional and real, I was excited to dive into The Second Ending.
Hoffman’s writing is both witty and thought-provoking, balancing realistic dialogue with delightfully exaggerated scenarios. One of the central themes, the classic debate of nature versus nurture in musical talent, is explored in depth. Without revealing too much, Hoffman introduces characters with varied backgrounds—some seem naturally gifted, while others were in the right environment or sacrificed their childhoods for the discipline of practice. Through richly constructed backstories for Prudence and Alexei, Hoffman blurs the lines between nature and nurture, showing her understanding of the complex dynamics of child prodigies and the long-term impact of such intense early training on relationships and personal identity.
The teacher-student relationships in the book are portrayed with nuance, emphasizing music’s profound impact on people’s lives. Hoffman beautifully illustrates how even a simple beginner piano lesson can shape a child’s life path, underscoring the novel’s message about the power of believing in oneself and others.
As a pianist and teacher, I found The Second Ending both refreshing and compelling for many reasons, but one aspect I especially appreciated was Hoffman’s humor. I laughed out loud multiple times while listening to the audiobook. The characters often have a Desperate Housewives-level of pettiness, and Hoffman has a keen sense of comedic timing, capturing the awkward and unfiltered moments that arise in messy relationships, unresolved pasts, and even reality TV.
Hoffman’s detailed descriptions of musical performances throughout the book added another layer of enjoyment. As I listened, I found myself imagining the music being played. The references to classics reinvigorated my curiosity about learning some of those pieces—something I wish more novels would do! The book ultimately felt like it joined me at the piano, bridging the gap between fiction and musical practice.
I recommend The Second Ending to all mature readers, though pianists and piano teachers will likely appreciate Hoffman’s detailed, realistic portrayal of classical musicians’ lives. Also, the audiobook had fabulous and hiliarious narration by Gabra Zackman. An entertaining listen indeed!
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“If you face your worst fear, you're able to live more fully.”
“To suffer is human. To turn it into art is extraordinary.”
“Even the most jaded people in the most hopeless environments need dreams.”
Note: The book contains some adult language, recommended for mature audiences.
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