YOU, ME, AND OUR HEARTSTRINGS

A viral duet causes discord for two promising musicians in See’s debut.

Italian American New York City teen Daisy Abano just wants to be seen as “a skilled disabled violinist,” not a charity case. But people can’t see past her cerebral palsy. The school bully calls her “Differently Abled,” and her church’s congregation prays for her to be cured. Daisy’s working-class parents, busy with their jobs and caring for her little sister, hardly see her at all. Getting accepted to Juilliard would prove her skill, and a class duet project is the perfect way to showcase her abilities. She’s paired with wealthy cello prodigy Noah Moray, whose father emigrated from Scotland. The pressure of measuring up to his equally musically talented family members exacerbates Noah’s anxiety, but he can’t bear to disappoint them. As they rehearse, Daisy and Noah find themselves falling in love, culminating in a performance—and a kiss—that goes viral. But their newfound fame exposes Daisy to even worse ableism and exploitation, and Noah discovers he is out of his depth. Daisy’s and Noah’s alternating narratives candidly explore such issues as emotional neglect and class privilege. The author, herself disabled, portrays the media’s often patronizing depictions of disabled people with realism that is uncomfortable in its pointed accuracy. Though the dialogue is occasionally heavy-handed, Daisy’s self-assurance is refreshing, and Noah’s therapy sessions offer insights on allyship.

Thought-provoking though not subtle.