May 2024 - Symphony of Secrets

 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

A novel by Brendan Slocumb (2023)

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 of the classical and early 20th century music that inspired the characters in the book. In our CD collection at the library, we have Schubert, Gershwin, Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, a ragtime collection, and more.
• I created this YouTube playlist of songs mentioned in the book and related to it.
  
• in between chapters, check out Brendan's podcast "How Music Can Save Your Life"
• Short documentary of interest (maybe similar to "Delaney kids," though I haven't watched it through yet) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xttrkgKXtZ4

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 Ragtime, Jazz and other early 20th century American music: 
• Ken Burns' documentary Jazz is available to borrow on Hoopla
• The musical movie Ragtime is in our DVD section. 
• 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!
  

Read more:

• by Slocumb: The Violin Conspiracy
• books set in 1920s: bookgirlsguide.com/books-set-in-the-1920s/  and bookriot.com/books-set-in-the-1920s/