First published 2002
Lick Holden grips his cornet as the sounds of ragtime and blues drift through the humid New Orleans air. The young musician possesses undeniable talent, but his inner demons threaten to derail his dreams of making it in the city's vibrant jazz scene. As the twentieth century dawns, New Orleans pulses with musical innovation. Street corners echo with improvised melodies, and clubs stay open until sunrise. Lick navigates this world of competing musicians, each fighting for their chance at recognition. His skill with the cornet opens doors, but his tormented nature creates obstacles at every turn. The pressure to succeed weighs heavily as he witnesses other musicians rise and fall around him. In the steaming clubs and on the crowded streets, Lick must confront whether his talent alone can overcome the personal struggles that consume him. His journey through New Orleans' jazz underground becomes a test of both his musical abilities and his capacity to survive his own troubled mind.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, overcoming-adversity
Setting: New Orleans
Period: 20th Century
416 pages · Hardcover · Grove Pr
Content warnings: mental-illness