Barbara Kingsolver's book 'Partita' grapples with the reality that our bodies fail us

NPR | By Andrew Limbong

Published October 5, 2026 at 6:04 PM EDT

Partita follows a young Appalachian woman with the chops to make it as a classical pianist. It was somewhat inspired by Barbara Kingsolver's love of classical music and her restrictive hand condition.

Andrew Limbong

Andrew Limbong is a reporter for NPR's Arts Desk.

See stories by Andrew Limbong

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