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.

Related Content

Michael Douglas on life in the limelight: 'Being yourself on screen is not easy'

Tonya Mosley

Douglas grew up in the shadow of his famous father, Kirk, before establishing himself as an Oscar-winning actor and producer. In One Helluva Ride, he reflects on his early life and Hollywood career.
Chef Yotam Ottolenghi returns with 'Simple Too'

The book features recipes with few steps geared towards busy lives.
Ayad Akhtar's 'The Radiance' addresses provocative subjects head-on

Heller McAlpin

Like his previous work, including Homeland Elegies, The Radiance exposes the fissures of American racial, political and economic identity.
Mahmoud Khalil's memoir is a peek inside immigration detention and his fight to stay

Leila Fadel

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested at Columbia University by immigration authorities last year. His memoir is "No Land to Stand On: Notes From Detention."
Patrick deWitt discusses his new novel 'Dodge City'

Ayesha Rascoe

Lee Clarke doesn't want to fight in Vietnam. So he's headed to Canada, saying goodbye to his family along the way. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Patrick deWitt about his new novel, "Dodge City."

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.