DevO Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 GOOD BOOK ALERT! I just finished this great novel. Its from 1976. ANyone out there read it before? Sorry I don't have the energy now for much of a review.. Here's what its about though. HIghly recommended by yours truly! Publisher Comments: Bringing to life the fabulous, colorful panorama of New Orleans in the first flush of the jazz era, this book tells the story of Buddy Bolden, the first of the great trumpet players--some say the originator of jazz--who was, in any case, the genius, the guiding spirit, and the king of that time and place. In this fictionalized meditation, Bolden, an unrecorded father of Jazz, remains throughout a tantalizingly ungraspable phantom, the central mysteries of his life, his art, and his madness remaining felt but never quite pinned down. Ondaatje's prose is at times startlingly lyrical, and as he chases Bolden through documents and scenes, the novel partakes of the very best sort of modern detective novel--one where the enigma is never resolved, but allowed to manifest in its fullness. Though more 'experimental' in form than either The English Patient or In the Skin of a Lion, it is a fitting addition to the renowned Ondaatje oeuvre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaimoe Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 (edited) One of my favourite novels ever. I love how his writing structure lacks formal "structure" when describing Bolden - literary improv. This novel is a must read for any jazz/music/Can-lit fans. Edited July 9, 2007 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexis Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 i've read anil's ghost, the man is good. just missed a book signing he was doing in burlington for his new book. the man wrote the english patient too...i'll have to keep an eye out for this one, thanks kev! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davey Boy 2.0 Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Funky Butt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagochips Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Great book. Read "Running in the Family" next and you'll be glad you did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now