Taylor Jenkins Reid‘s Daisy Jones & The Six captivated me, especially for its innovative format. Fourteen narrators embody each character, perfectly mirroring the documentary-style interviews that tell the story of the band’s rise and fall.
This approach could have been risky, but the captivating narrative makes it work.
The novel goes beyond the band’s story. We delve into the characters’ lives through first-person narratives. This allows us to understand their backgrounds, motivations, and even insecurities. The portrayal feels genuine, from personal doubts and desires to struggles with addiction and the inevitable discrepancies in their perspectives.
Daisy Jones, the charismatic singer, is a complex character. While some adore her, I found her frustrating at times. Her talent is undeniable, but her self-destructive tendencies and childish behaviour made me want to both hug and shake her.
With her character the book ultimately explores how a series of bad choices can ripple through your life.
Billy Dunne, the band’s founder, is equally compelling. He nurtured The Six before Daisy‘s arrival, and is a talented musician who perhaps never fully grasped what audiences craved.
His dedication to his family, beautifully captured in the quote “Passion is…it’s fire. And fire is great, man. But we’re made of water. Water is how we keep living. Water is what we need to survive. My family was my water. I picked water. I’ll pick water every time.” highlights the complexities of his love and sacrifice.
Both Daisy and Billy illustrate how childhood experiences shape us and how addiction can devastate relationships and talents.
Camila, Billy‘s wife, provoked mixed reactions. I found her a product of her time, caught in a complex situation. While her actions contribute to the band’s demise, I avoided judging her harshly.
The supporting characters are equally well-developed. Eddie‘s constant discontent, Graham living in his brother’s shadow, and Teddy, the fatherly record producer, all add richness to the story. However, Karen, the keyboardist, truly resonated with me. Her courageous decision to prioritize her career ambitions showcases a woman ahead of her time, reminding us that love doesn’t necessitate self-sacrifice and that not all romances end happily.
The 70s setting is vividly portrayed. The novel captures the era’s essence – the sex, drugs, and rock and roll – without romanticizing it. It exposes both the glamour and the struggles of life behind the spotlight, leaving you yearning for the world you entered while reading.
Overall, Daisy Jones & The Six is a brilliant and captivating novel. The innovative narrative style, the real characters, and the honest portrayal of the music industry make it a must-read. The story’s vibe reminded me of the classic film A Star is Born, further solidifying my recommendation.
We only look like young stars because you can’t see old scars.
Bonus:
- The Six is believed to be inspired by the 70s band Fleetwood Mac.
- Fleetwood Mac‘s hit “Albatross” echoes the vibes of The Six‘s “Aurora.”
- Stevie Nicks, a potential inspiration for Daisy Jones, joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974, adding a pop influence.
- Like The Six, Fleetwood Mac had a female keyboardist (Christine McVie).
- Two members of Fleetwood Mac were romantically involved.
- Fleetwood Mac experienced internal struggles after Nicks‘ departure, mirroring The Six‘s demise.