Jessie Tu

I found this story of Jena Lin, a child prodigy violinist, confronting, daring and disconcerting. When I began reading I didn't like what Jena was doing. She was hurting herself by having sex with random men and I found these parts of the story hard to read. Jena is not a likable character while she is doing this, but I warmed up to her as I kept reading. The story triggered many emotions within me, which is a good thing because I was interested in knowing what happens next.

The author brings up some heavy issues about relationships, rape and female intimacy. I kept reading because it is beautifully written and the imagery she used is lovely. The area where she lives in Sydney is familiar to me and I felt I was in New York with Jena as she navigates her internship with the New York Philharmonic. I recommend this book but be aware that it has explicit themes about sex and relationships.… (más)

Despite my mature years, I found this book searingly honest. To me, child prodigy Jena was trying to fill the hole inside her. Her distorted childhood, of long hours practicing the violin and touring the world, had left little time for her to be a child, play and form friendships. Her relationship with her mother was also strained. Although they toured together, there was little closeness or demonstrative affection. She uses sex with men to try and gain the love she craves. Her relationship with Mark is unhealthy and it is only when she wins the opportunity to go to New York, that she is able to break away and start afresh. The sex is confronting but it is not to titillate, it is sad and debasing.… (más)