Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TW: physical violence, psychological abuse, physical abuse, blood, mild swearing.

Beck’s mother, a once famous pianist, lives out her shattered dreams through her son. Crushed by her violence, and forced to play the piano until his hands bleed, Beck is broken – until August comes along.

This is C. G. Drews’ debut novel to the world and holy crap was it phenomenal. I think one of my favourite things about this book is the imagery: it’s very hard to write something “original” but somehow Drews does it. She takes some very abstract ideas and weaves them in perfectly (see quotes below). The characters are so well written – I sympathise with Beck and Joey, I love August for bringing Beck happiness, and I hate the Maestro (his mother) for what she does to her children. The ending was bittersweet and realistic for the world/situation Beck lives in. Like with TBWSH, I desperately want a sequel but I’m also very satisfied with the conclusion to Beck’s story. As for which I prefer – ATPN or TBWSH – I love them both equally and you will never force me to chose!! I genuinely could go on and on about this novel, but instead I’ll finish this review by saying that if you haven’t read ATPN or Drews’ second book – please please go read it now!

“Being a pianist is stitched on his skin, but his bones are tattooed with whispers of you fake, you fake.” –17

“You’re like this overlooked shadow, always in the background, and you made me so curious. And your life obviously isn’t all peach pie and daffodils and I figure that equals a body needing a friend.” –100

“Music is nothing unless it fills your soul with colour and passion and dreams.” –108