Sonny's Blues

I don't think I've ever read a more moving, and emotional illustration of the wonder and value that music holds in our lives–specifically jazz music. I adore jazz, my appreciation for it ignited for the first time by the movie La La Land, but this story is more than a love letter to jazz. It's a demonstration of how music, real music, is created from the circumstances that musicians live through. How it reflects their thoughts, their feelings, their desires, and their dreams. I was swept away by both this passion and the stunning beauty of the how that passion was captured through words. I was there. I felt the performance. I saw the smallest facial expressions, and the silhouettes of the crowd in the shadows of the spotlight. The tone of the writing brought to life the tone of the music and my mind heard the change in mood from the slow, uncertain piano to the moment that Sonny poured himself into his instrument and for the first time, let his brother into his life. Everything in the story prior to that performance was suddenly connected and intertwined into a beautiful melody. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature I think I've ever read.

Three short stories about life in Harlem for young black children. Other reviewers have pointed to the 1950's which seems right with situations described - eg mention of horse and cart deliveries, motor cars, the evolved state of jazz (“Like Louis Armstrong?”... “No. I'm not talking about none of that old-time, down-home crap.”)

These are not happy memory stories, they are hard times. Themes include disconnection (and reconnection) of family, drugs, jazz, parental relationship / control of children, societal disconnection.

Well written, realistic and atmospheric - great description in these short, easy to read stories.

Four stars.