Duet

Characters past and present take on gender stereotypes. In the 19th century, woman author George Sand dresses as a man, because life was a lot more interesting and options more plentiful for men. In the present, goldfinch Mirabelle is determined to overcome the stereotype that only male birds are good singers. Professor Starek and composer Chopin both came from Poland; Michael and his family are East Asian American.

Mirabelle, a goldfinch, has lost a family member to a character's cat, and she and her brothers have some narrow escapes. She also notes that some birds eat other birds. In recent past, a character's sister has died and he's still grieving. Composer Chopin's ill health, looming death, and their influence on his music are a strong theme -- as is the fact that after his death his heart was preserved and returned to his native Poland.

As part of Duet's deep dive into the life and work of the composer Chopin, we learn that he and the author George Sand (a woman) were lovers and inspired each other's work. Mirabelle's father -- described by her mom as a "rolling stone" -- isn't in the picture, which the author notes in an afterword isn't typical of goldfinch dads, who are usually devoted parents.

In the past, author George Sand is known for drinking, smoking, and gambling just like all the young men she hangs out with.