By Jessica Martinez
Simon Pulse
Publication date: October 18, 2011
ISBN: 978-1442420526
Carmen, an extremely gifted violin player, is about to compete in one of the biggest competitions of her life. The winner has their life set as a classical violin musician. It's what all of her years of practice and performance have led up to. But two weeks before, she meets her major competition, Jeremy King, and against all plans, falls for him. Despite her mom's warnings that he's just trying to distract her, Carmen sees Jeremy secretly and starts living a life of her own, ignoring the one carefully created for her. But as the competition approaches, Carmen must decide of Jeremy is for real, if her family has her best interests in mind, and if she wants to continue her life as she's used to it.
Virtuosity is a beautiful debut by Jessica Martinez. It's an addictive read, that keeps the reader guessing and debating what really is best for Carmen. Three story revolves around three main plots: Carmen's relationship with her manager mother; Carmen's budding romance with her competition, Jeremy; and Carmen's reliance on anti-anxiety medicine. Each story weaves together and meets face to face at the end, with a startling revelation.
I found Carmen to be a likeable main character, with this naivety that's honest and not forced. For a girl used to homeschooling, of course she's swept away with Jeremy's advances. Who wouldn't be? He's handsome, challenging, and fun. Martinez does a great job at making him mysterious - should you root for them to be together, or is he really just using her? Despite his well-written character, however, I never quite loved him. I couldn't cheer on their relationship, because I did think something was up.
The mother-daughter aspect was very interesting, going off the whole stage mom idea. I liked how it was written, and really felt for both parties involved. I especially liked the sub-story about Carmen's reliance on drugs. I actually wanted more of that, to see more of her reaction to going off the medication. Did she have more side effects than just nerves?
Overall, it was a very well-done novel, with a beautiful ending. Martinez made the musical aspect accessible and fascinating. I'm excited to see what she has in store next.
Also, I love the cover.
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