A review by nixieish
The Music Teacher by Barbara Hall

3.0

It's obvious, right from the start, that this story is written from someone comfortable writing for television. I say this as a good thing, as I prefer that sort of casual, relaxed tone - I feel it usually offers a deeper insight into the characters in question. They're allowed to be themselves and say what they really mean, rather than squishing into a certain mold to be what the writer is expecting. This character is certainly given room to be herself. Pearl Swain's voice is absolutely fluid - with a touch of prim that comes through via the use of very few contractions, only increasing as she becomes more comfortable with herself - and she isn't taking any issue with just letting all of her thoughts out there. For the reader's sake, at least. As a TV writer, I have a feeling that Hall takes from that experience and really hears a person's voice when she writes for them.

This ability to write real people is a truly marvelous gift from the author.


[FTC disclosure: Received free ARC through Goodreads' First Reads program.]