Weekend Reads: “Half-Blood Blues” by Esi Edugyan

What I'm Reading Now.
What I’m Reading Now.
Hi Meltingpot Readers,

So, one of my 2015 resolutions is to read more for pleasure. That sounds crazy coming from someone who loves books like a fat boy loves cake, but as I reviewed 2014, I realized that the majority of what I read was for work. And I do have to read a lot for “work” – books, articles, magazines, student work – to stay on top of things. So, yes, most nights I fall into bed and am asleep in two minutes and I barely have enough time to breathe, but still I promised myself that I would read at least one book a month for pleasure.

I’ve chosen a great book for starters. It’s called Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan. I admit, I first noticed this book because the author’s name is very similar to my son’s and I wondered if Esi was a man or a woman. Turns out Esi is a beautiful, Black Canadian writer with one other novel and several short stories to her credit. The other reason the book caught my attention was the title, of course. As I’d hoped, the book partially centers on a Mixed Afro-German jazz musician who lived through World War II. Half Blood-Blues alternates between past and present telling the musician’s story. I’ve only just started it but I love it already. I don’t want to read too many reviews because I don’t want to read with preconceived notions. But I do know the book won and/or was short-listed for many literary prizes.

I totally feel like I hit the jackpot with this one, considering I picked it up because the author’s name sounded familiar. The story has everything I love, multicultural characters, history, a European setting and Black Americans heavily represented. Score!

What are you reading this weekend, dear readers? I’m totally listening and taking notes.

Peace!


Comments

5 responses to “Weekend Reads: “Half-Blood Blues” by Esi Edugyan”

  1. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.
    I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back in the future.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue
    your great work, have a nice morning!

  2. Jane Moore Avatar
    Jane Moore

    My book club read Half Blood last year. It was an interesting book about something new. I knew black American jazz musicians played in Europe but hadn’t really thought about them playing in Germany as it became a Nazi state. We also read a book about black jazz musicians playing in China as their revolution/ Civil Warvis brewing. Equally as fascinating.

    1. Ms. Meltingpot Avatar
      Ms. Meltingpot

      Jane,
      I too was so surprised about the Black Jazz in Germany part. I love learning new things about history. What was the book about China? That also sounds fascinating.

  3. Hej Ms Meltingpot,

    Esi Edugyan won’t disappoint you – her book is wonderful!

    Greetings from Carina and a cold, snowy Sweden.

    PS. Right now I’m reading “Dust” by a very talented, young, Kenyan author named Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor.

    1. Ms. Meltingpot Avatar
      Ms. Meltingpot

      Carina,
      So, far I’m loving the book! Thanks. Stay warm!

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