Discover books similar to "Coming Through Slaughter"
Michael Ondaatje
Coming Through Slaughter
3.9
"Coming Through Slaughter" by Michael Ondaatje is a fictionalized account of the life of Buddy Bolden, a pioneering figure in jazz music in late 19th century New Orleans. The novel is a lyrical and experimental exploration of the mind and life of Bolden, who was known for his powerful and innovative cornet playing, but who also struggled with mental illness and alcoholism. Ondaatje's prose is rich and evocative, capturing the sights, sounds, and smells of New Orleans and the raw, chaotic energy of the city's burgeoning jazz scene. The novel is structured in a fragmented, non-linear style, with multiple narrators and shifting perspectives that reflect the complexity and instability of Bolden's own consciousness. At the heart of the novel is the tension between Bolden's artistic genius and his personal demons. Ondaatje explores the ways in which Bolden's inner turmoil fueled his music, even as it ultimately led to his downfall. The novel also touches on themes of race, identity, and the transformative power of art. "Coming Through Slaughter" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional notions of biography and historical fiction. It is a testament to Ondaatje's skill as a writer that he is able to create such a vivid and compelling portrait of a man who remains largely a mystery, even to those who knew him best. This novel is a must-read for fans of jazz music, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of art and madness...
List of books similar to "Coming Through Slaughter":
E.L. Doctorow
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Elizabeth Bowen
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A coming-of-age novel set in 1930s London, 'The Death of the Heart' explores the emotional life of a young girl who is sent to live with her older brother and his wife. This book shares with 'Coming Through Slaughter' a sense of the fragility and vulnerability of human relationships.
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Walker Percy
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