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Esi Edugyan: Half-Blood Blues (Paperback, 2011, Thomas Allen)

"Berlin, 1939. The Hot-Time Swingers, a popular German American jazz band, have been forbidden to …

Review of 'Half-Blood Blues' on 'Goodreads'

This book had me from the first page. The narrative voice is so distinct, the imagery so evocative, the subject matter so compelling and novel (pun not intended), that I was immediately drawn in.

This is the story of mixed-blood jazz musicians in Nazi Germany and occupied France. Two are Americans and comparatively "safe" from persecution, but one, the youngest and most talented, is a "mischling"--a German person of mixed-blood and, therefore, a particular target. This is a tale of love, lust, talent, disappointment, betrayal, and forgiveness. I think almost any jack or jane would enjoy reading about the gates in this story.

I am impressed by this author and will definitely read more of her work.