May 2024 - Symphony of Secrets
“A twisty, mesmerizing mystery— Brendan Slocumb’s writing is like music itself, dancing elegantly from the page.” —Danya Kukafka, bestselling author of Notes on an Execution
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS
Discussion - May 15, 1pm
Note from Sarah: It is my opinion that the less you know, the better this book will read. Most of the blurbs, reviews and even the accolades reveal too much. This bit below at least gives you something without revealing too much....
In present day New York City, Bern Hendricks has just received the call of a lifetime: to authenticate the long-lost musical masterpiece of Frederick Delaney – arguably the greatest and most prolific composer since Beethoven.
Bern thought he knew everything there is to know about the man and his music, but soon discovers that the truth behind the masterpieces – and behind Frederick Delaney himself – is far more complicated than he could ever have imagined. The story takes the reader back to 1920s Manhattan, when the struggling musician Freddy Delaney meets the enigmatic Josephine Reed...
Copies of the book are available at the library. It is also on Libby and other streaming services.
At Gibson's or Main Street Bookends, mention our group and they will kindly offer a discount.
While you read:
- listen to some 1920s jazz - we have CDs in our collection of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and more.
- in between chapters, check out Brendan's podcast "How Music Can Save Your Life"
Resources below (some may contain spoilers!)
Learn more:
- about Brendan Slocumb:
- His website: www.brendanslocumb.com
- A podcast interview viewsonbooks.com/17-striking-a-chord-brendan-slocumb-on-music-representation-and-unraveling-the-symphony-of-secrets/
- Listen to and watch a concert Slocumb conducted: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga1XZUMVPFU
- about Jazz and the 1920s jazz scene:
- Ken Burns' documentary "Jazz" is available to borrow on Hoopla
- We have several books on the history of jazz on our shelves: head to the 781.65 section
- What Is Jazz? - from the National Museum of American History
- April is Jazz Appreciation Month!
- April 30 is International Jazz Day! Look for my display in the library soon. :)
- by Slocumb: The Violin Conspiracy
- books set in 1920s: bookgirlsguide.com/books-set-in-the-1920s/ and bookriot.com/books-set-in-the-1920s/
- books set in the Jazz Age
