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Esi Edugyan: Half-Blood Blues (Paperback, 2011, Thomas Allen) 5 stars

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

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

5 stars

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.