Crescendo: A Novel
Jane Healey
Jun 2026 · Bloomsbury US Audio · Narrated by Celeste Dring and Joe Jameson
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10 hr 16 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook
Bloomsbury presents Crescendo by Jane Healey, read by Celeste Dring and Joe Jameson.
A piano virtuoso and his twin sister become rivals for a new spotlight—the adoration of a mysterious French patron—during the hot Parisian summer of 1957.
“An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire, and obsession.” —Layne Fargo, bestselling author of The Favorites and They Never Learn
Twins Natasha and Max Kitson have lived their lives on the road, together building Max's career as a world-renowned pianist, famous for bringing even the most stalwart audience members to tears. But when, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his remaining concerts and moves himself and his sister into the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.
In Paris, over the course of one summer, Natasha's long-simmering resentments and Max's deep insecurities drive the siblings apart as each vie for Henri's attentions. But neither twin can have their host entirely to themselves, because while, during the day, Henri woos Natasha with lavish gifts and trips to the ballet, it's Max's music that draws Henri from bed each night.
One part delicious family drama, and one part twisted love triangle, Crescendo is an altogether un-put-downable escape to the concert halls, ballet theaters, and bedrooms of 1950s France.
A piano virtuoso and his twin sister become rivals for a new spotlight—the adoration of a mysterious French patron—during the hot Parisian summer of 1957.
“An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire, and obsession.” —Layne Fargo, bestselling author of The Favorites and They Never Learn
Twins Natasha and Max Kitson have lived their lives on the road, together building Max's career as a world-renowned pianist, famous for bringing even the most stalwart audience members to tears. But when, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his remaining concerts and moves himself and his sister into the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.
In Paris, over the course of one summer, Natasha's long-simmering resentments and Max's deep insecurities drive the siblings apart as each vie for Henri's attentions. But neither twin can have their host entirely to themselves, because while, during the day, Henri woos Natasha with lavish gifts and trips to the ballet, it's Max's music that draws Henri from bed each night.
One part delicious family drama, and one part twisted love triangle, Crescendo is an altogether un-put-downable escape to the concert halls, ballet theaters, and bedrooms of 1950s France.
Bloomsbury presents Crescendo by Jane Healey, read by Celeste Dring and Joe Jameson.
A piano virtuoso and his twin sister become rivals for a new spotlight—the adoration of a mysterious French patron—during the hot Parisian summer of 1957.
“An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire,...
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About the author
Jane Healey is the author of The Animals at Lockwood Manor (winner of the Historical Debut Novel) and The Ophelia Girls. Her short stories have been shortlisted for the Costa Short Story Award, the Bristol Prize, and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She lives in London.
Jane Healey is the author of The Animals at Lockwood Manor (winner of the Historical Debut Novel) and The Ophelia Girls. Her short stories have been shortlisted for the Costa Short Story Award, the Bristol Prize, and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She lives in London.
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