For my last blog post of this year, I’d like to give my thoughts on two special novels I read:
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Literary fiction; historical fiction; romance; music
In the 70s, I remember sitting on the bus in elementary school and hearing “Thunder Only Happens When It’s Raining . . .” from the radio. In the 80s, I remember watching Fleetwood Mac videos on MTV. I grew up hearing their music. So when I found out there is a book based — loosely based — on the Fleetwood Mac of the late 70s, I was interested. Since I had already recently read and liked Taylor Jenkind Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I wanted to check this one out. Daisy Jones & the Six is filled with raw emotion. Emotions. It’s a quick read and I came to appreciate out normal my life is. I am also watching the tv show based on the novel, so I’m enjoying that too.
Sparrow by James Hynes
Historical fiction
This is the controversial but beautifully written story of a boy sold into slavery in 4th-century Roman-occupied Spain. Former writing professor James Hynes has created an immersive novel from the viewpoint of Jacob, a very young boy who works in the kitchen of a brothel in a Mediterranean coastal town.
Note: spoilers ahead
So, let’s talk about the controversy. I had listened to Hynes’s book Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques, and after I finished, I wanted to read one of his fiction books. Coincidentally, Sparrow was just about to be released, so I ordered it.
This is a fantastic story. Hynes’s research into this village’s customs is evident. His knowledge of teaching fiction and writing it has broken the adage, “Those who can’t, teach.”
But, if you haven’t already guessed, the boy Jacob ends up in sex work against his will. His initiation is a graphic rape scene. It’s pretty horrifying, and the incident goes into heartbreaking detail. Though I found it disturbing, I commend Hynes for showing the truth: sexual slavery is something that has happened all through human history.
The other scenes containing sexual acts were not erotic. They showed the exhaustion and dangers the prostitutes faced every day–the public humiliation. The physical pain. The emotion toil.
I never thought I’d give a trigger warning, but I will with this novel. I have no problem recommending it but be warned. Parts of Sparrow are difficult. This story broke my heart into a thousand pieces, and there’s a good chance it will break yours.
Photo by Ilia Afsharpoor: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crescent-moon-in-vibrant-evening-sky-28815588/
Andrew M. Friday 
Leave a comment