This book has generated a lot of buzz and I was doubtful that it would live up to the hype. I’m pleased to say that I loved this book and finished it within 24 hours!
The story uses an interview format to piece together the rise and eventual split of a fictional seventies band, Daisy Jones & the Six. Through different perspectives of the band members, their friends, families and other associated people, the author cleverly weaves a compelling exploration of music, love and rock ‘n’ roll which is so authentic that if I didn’t know it was fictional, I’d think it was a book about a real band. I heard the story was inspired by Fleetwood Mac and I suppose you could see the book as a tribute to them, but it’s more rewarding if you just let yourself be carried by the narrative. The characters are so real and I even knew exactly what everyone’s voices were like and how they looked. The star is of course Daisy Jones, a powerfully talented but untrained singer with a wild drug-fuelled lifestyle. The attraction and repulsion between her and the band’s other lead singer-songwriter, Billy Dunne, is fascinating. They are similar in many ways but are trying not to admit they are falling in love. Tensions within the band are skilfully evoked and the mismatched versions of events by different people increase the story’s realism. The more I read of this book, the more impressed I became.
There is nothing to criticise about this book. It was perfectly done. If you’re thinking of reading it, be aware that it contains a lot of drug use and tales of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle in general. However, at its heart is an emotional and energetic journey into desire, bitterness and creativity.
First published in 2019 (although inside the book it says 2018).
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