Docu-Novels

There was an excellent review of Marlon James' new book A Brief History of Seven Murders in yesterdays Sunday Boston Globe. "The center of the book’s massive orbit," according to John Freeman, "is the 1976 attempt to assassinate reggae singer Bob Marley." It's a fascinating review and one that has put the book on our radar. These books intertwine music and current cultural events to form wholly new narratives. Reggae, dancehall, rap and hip-hop are well represented in these books —The Shower Posse, Born Fi Dead and Street Legends come to mind — but I'd guess the country and blues idioms also make appearances in this relatively new genre of books. If you're a fan of music books but may be looking for a different take, check 'em out!