Music is one of those amazing things that can bring us joy both through listening and reading about it. Everyone’s connection to music is unique, making it a deeply personal experience. In this blog post, I’m excited to share five novels that explore the world of music from different angles. You can find all of these books in GWL’s amazing lending library. It’s free and accessible for all, so feel welcome to pop in and have a read or take some books back to the comfort of your own home.
Some of these stories featured in this blog post focus on women in music, highlighting the challenges they face and their dreams of success. Others explore important and heartfelt themes of migration and identity, and how music can help people find a sense of belonging.
Whether you’re a music fan or not, I’m sure you’ll find one of these novels intriguing. So, dive in and discover how music can weave its way into our lives through these captivating stories!
Trumpet – Jackie Kay
Trumpet by Jackie Kay is a wonderful novel about love, identity, and the ways we construct our sense of self. The story revolves around Joss Moody, a celebrated jazz musician, whose death uncovers a secret he kept his entire life—he was assigned female at birth but lived as a man. This revelation not only shocks those closest to him but also sparks intense public scrutiny, as the media exploits his private life and turns it into a sensationalized story.
Told through multiple perspectives, Trumpet explores the emotional impact of this discovery on those who loved Joss, as well as the ways in which society reacts to identities that don’t fit into traditional categories. Through the voice of his grieving wife, those who knew him in life, and outsiders eager to exploit his story, the novel examines themes of love, loss, memory, and the fluid nature of identity. A gripping and heartfelt read I can only recommend!
Arabian Jazz – Diana Abu-Jaber
A wonderful and captivating novel that explores the lives of a Jordanian-American family living in a small town in upstate New York. The book delves into the complexities of an Arab-American identity and the challenges immigrant families face as they navigate life between two cultures.
At the heart of the story is the family of widower Matussem Ramoud, his two grown daughters, Jemorah and Melvina, who struggle to build an identity in their new home, and his sister Fatima and her husband, who want to see their nieces getting married. Whilst Melvina seems to adapt to the American culture with more ease, Jemorah is torn between different identities and roles.
Matussem’s love for American Jazz serves as a metaphor for the blending of cultures and being torn between two worlds. This novel is a heartfelt celebration of the diversity of the American culture and gives insights into the universal search of belonging. I can only recommend you follow along the story of these powerful and authentic characters!
A Visit from the Goon Squad – Jennifer Egan
A Visit from the Goon Squad is a compelling novel that weaves together the lives of various characters connected to the music industry. The story spans several decades, from the 1970s to the near future, exploring how time affects people’s lives and relationships.
At the centre of the narrative are Bennie Salazar, a former punk rocker turned music executive, and Sasha, his troubled assistant. Through a series of interconnected stories, the author describes the changing music scene and the personal struggles of her characters.
What makes this book stand out is the innovative style of writing, the changing narrative perspectives and the innovative storytelling approaches that explore themes of memory, nostalgia and human connections in a wonderful way. This novel is a poignant reflection on growing older, confronting past mistakes, and finding meaning in unexpected places. It’s a thought-provoking and unique read that resonates long after the final page.
I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone – Stephanie Kuehnert
I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone dives headfirst into the world of punk rock and revolves around Emily Black, a young woman with punk coursing through her veins. The story follows Emily as she navigates the music scene while searching for her mother, Louisa, who left Emily when she was just a baby.
Kuehnert weaves together themes like music, family, abandonment and self-discovery, exploring how the energy of punk can shape a person’s identity and drive them forward. The novel’s title, borrowed from a Sleater-Kinney song (which itself is a tribute to the legendary Joey Ramone), sets the tone for a story full of musical references and a rebellious spirit. Through this book, you can follow along Emily’s way of becoming a powerful female artist in a male dominated punk world.
This novel is an emotional coming-of-age story full of punk rock – perfect for you if you like powerful music and if you can relate to songs and lyrics from that genre. If you’re searching a read that catches the spirit of rebellion, it might be the perfect one for you.
How to Be Famous by Caitlin Moran
How to Be Famous is an exciting story set in 1990s London, where Britpop rules and many artists are trying to become famous. It follows Johanna Morrigan, a 19-year-old music journalist who still tries to figure out life, love and the overwhelming world of fame. Alongside her friend Suzanne Banks, a sharp-tongued feminist writer, Johanna faces the darker side of fame when she’s publicly shamed by comedian Jerry Sharp.
This novel tackles tough issues like sexism and power imbalances with humour and heart. Johanna learns to use her voice by writing a column that expresses the absurdities of fame. It’s a coming-of-age story about finding your own path and standing up for yourself in a world that’s not always kind to young women with big dreams. It’s a wonderful and empowering read that shows different struggles of the 1990s music industry women had to face.
I hope I was able to catch your interest with one of these wonderful novels! I’m sure that these stories have the potential to inspire you and give you a new perspective on topics such as identity, belonging and life as a woman in the music industry. Also, getting one of these books from GWL’s lovely lending library might be a nice prep for you for Open the Door Festival, a wonderful wee festival hosted by GWL from May to September this year. Whatever your motivation might be, I’m you’re going to have a good read with either of these books!
For more information on Open the Door Festival, make sure to stay updated on the website: https://womenslibrary.org.uk/discover-our-projects/open-the-door/
