Crescendo - by Jane Healey (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A taut, sultry new novel of obsession and rivalry set in the concert halls and ballet theaters of 1950s France.

Max Kitson is a world-renowned pianist, and his twin sister, Natasha, is his manager and minder. But when, in 1957, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his latest world tour. Without consulting Natasha, Max arranges to stay in the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.

Over the course of one summer, Natasha's long-simmering resentments and Max's deep insecurities drive the siblings apart as each vie for Henri's attentions. But neither twin can have their host entirely to themselves, because while, during the day, Henri woos Natasha with lavish gifts and trips to the ballet, it's Max's music that draws Henri from bed each night.

Gorgeously and grippingly written, Crescendo is an unforgettable escape with the pacing of a thriller and the depths of a family saga.

Review Quotes

"This stylish, passionate novel transports you to the gilded salons and concert halls of 1950s Paris, with two gorgeous twins, a count, and a dancer who make each big moves and mistakes for love. But the book's greatest question revolves around genius-how to grow it, to keep it, to not lose everything for its sake-and every page in Crescendo builds to its haunting and resounding answer." --Maria Hummel, author of STILL LIVES and GOLDENSEAL

"I couldn't tear myself away from this captivating, heady novel that draws a taut string between the needs of the flesh and the demands of art. The literary love triangle between Max, Natasha and Henri joins the exalted ranks of The Great Gatsby and Brideshead Revisited." --Erin Kelly, author of HE SAID/SHE SAID

"An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire, and obsession, Jane Healey's Crescendo captures the creative and destructive power of art with prose so immersive you'll feel like you're watching an Oscar-worthy film play in your head." --Layne Fargo, bestselling author of THE FAVORITES and THEY NEVER LEARN

"Phenomenal and compulsive, a simmering tale of sibling rivalry and the heady world of classical music. It is really a love story, a love of music, a love of siblings, a love of life. The prose was tender, sexy even and most importantly precise: as accomplished as a virtuoso pianist playing a sonata. I found the ending unexpected and bruising. Terrific." --Molly Aitken author of BRIGHT I BURN

"Jane Healey has created an eerie puzzle box of a book and a gothic in the tradition's best sense . . . A deeply consuming read and a fantastic novel to get lost in." --Erika Swyler, author of THE BOOK OF SPECULATION on THE ANIMALS OF LOCKWOOD MANOR

"A strong debut, full of creepy cliffhangers, lovely descriptions and a believably inelegant heroine." --BookPage on THE ANIMALS AT LOCKWOOD MANOR

"Saturated with beauty, menace, longing, secrets-and with passions deep enough to drown in. It's a sinister, suspenseful page-turner that gripped me tightly and still hasn't fully let go." --Clare Beams, author of THE GARDEN on THE OPHELIA GIRLS

"Jane Healey writes the way dreams feel. I loved it." --Elissa R. Sloan, author of THE UNRAVELING OF CASSIDY HOLMES on THE OPHELIA GIRLS

About the Author