The mother-daughter relationship takes new twists in _Three Part Invention_, a novel of depth and humor by Judith Laura. The book is also about the power of music including classical, jazz, R&B, and rock, and about the strengths and pitfalls of ethnic loyalty. Alice, daughter of Eastern-European Jewish immigrants to the U.S., marries just before World War II and mixes parenting with piano-teaching. Alice's daughter, Beth, rebels against her mother's music and religion, develops her art talents, and takes part in the protest movements of the 1960s and 70s. Beth's daughter, Alexis, overcomes learning disabilities in a way that is healing for both herself and her mother. Their distinct voices paint an unforgettable picture of how different women approach love, sex, career, friendship and each other. Most of the novel is set in west central New Jersey and southeastern Ohio with other settings including New York, Denver and the Pennsylvania. Judith Laura's poetry, fiction, and articles have been published in a variety of journals and anthologies. She has been a news reporter and a magazine editor. This is her third book and first novel. She lives near Washington, DC.