Descending Thirds

Read Time: 2 Minutes

Descending Thirds spans a few decades, mostly centered in the 60s and 70s, following Alexandra as she tries to make her mark in the classical music world. Talent matters, but it’s clear early on that it isn’t enough. Expectations especially from family shape nearly every character and add to the pressure.

A lot of the story revolves around competition – not just the most coverted position of winning an internation competition, but that which comes after with your peers. Where reputations can be made and lost quicker than playing the scales.

The relationship between Alexandra and Sebastian and Conrad, the two brothers adds a lot of turmoil, though it’s less about romance itself and more about what Alexandra sacrifices along the way. It’s messy in a way that keeps the story moving.

The focus is on ambition and the costs that come with it, rather than a straightforward success story. Every advance seems to take something away, whether it’s relationships, identity, or stability.

The music aspect is well done. Beyond discussing it, the audiobook includes snippets of music which doesn’t overwhelm like some musical additions do. It plays background to the story without taking over.

The tone is lush and emotional. Sometimes this works well, especially when connected to the musical themes, giving it a certain rhythm. Other times, it may go a bit too far, depending on how much melodrama you can tolerate. I found myself wavering on that.

In terms of pacing, the story moves quickly. There are twists, but they aren’t the main focus. It’s more about the consequences of those moments than the moments themselves.

Alexandra carries much of the story. Her struggle between ambition and connection provides a solid anchor. The two brothers are crucial, but they play a bigger role in shaping her journey than standing alone.

Mary Jane Wells does a great job with the narration. She is easy to listen to, there are no production issues, and her voice fits the tone well. There’s a certain polish to it… a refined quality that suits the setting nicely.

Overall, this is a big, emotional story that embraces drama, romance, and intensity without holding back. This one took me a minute to get into when I started, but eventually I found myself being swept along for the ride. For me, it leaned a bit too much into melodrama at times, but I rarely hit pause once I started.

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