It's Hard to Let Go

Have you ever finished a book that you do not want to let go? After a really good book, I find it hard to pick up another one. I almost feel like I am lost; perhaps it's because the character is lost to me now. I go on with my life, and he goes on with his life.

I just finished Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan. I adore Sid. He captured my heart. We do not have a lot in common but I was drawn to him. The voice Esi created for him (and the other characters) was rich and poetic, yet very real. He is an American who gets "trapped" in Europe during WWII. He loves jazz and is jealous of young Heiro, who is a more talented musician.

Obviously I relate to his feelings of jealousy. I think many of us are jealous of those who have a natural gift--a gift that comes so easily to them but not to you. Sid teaches us that loving something isn't enough. He loves to play, and wants to be as good as Heiro but he knows he never will be as good. What is more frustrating, is that he actually loves Heiro. That's what makes his character so fascinating. Of course, these feelings make their relationship complicated.

I like how the narrative flows from the past to the present with ease. Both story lines keep your interest piqued. You know these two "lines" will come together. You trust the author to get you to the finish. You can also trust her to do right by the characters. That's refreshing. Sid stays true to himself. There aren't unrealistic, idiotic changes (oops, sorry, my bias is coming through) to his character either.

Esi deftly uses WWII and Europe as a backdrop to the story as well. She carefully brings together history and settings to compliment the characters and the plot. She did her homework there. History comes alive. I am along for the ride. I am walking with Sid. I am experiencing his triumphs and failures. A strong character needs a well crafted plot and setting to do him or her justice. And Esi gives him that!

This is Edugyan's second novel. I want to read her first book now. Well ... not just yet. I am still hanging on to the second one for awhile longer.