Music is a powerful thing. There is nothing, and I mean nothing better than finding a song or artist that moves you. In many ways, our lives generate their own soundtracks. For example, when I hear The Beatles on the radio I often think of my parents, who love the band and played their songs throughout my childhood. As someone who grew up in the 90s, I always perk up when I hear the “grunge” bands of that decade. And how about our favorite movies? Would Jaws be as menacing without John Williams’ score? Would Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers be as chilling without their trademark themes?
Yes, music is a powerful thing.
Such is the case in Peter Straub’s PORKPIE HAT, a longish novella about a man who is deeply affected by the jazz musicians of his era. The narrator of the story recounts his time as a college student, during which he became fascinated by a saxophonist nicknamed Hat (a name derived from the porkpie hat he always wore). After hearing Hat play a number of times, the narrator asks the musician for an interview. Normally a very private man, Hat acquiesces and agrees to the narrator’s request. While the “official” interview proves to be an interesting study of Hat’s musical career, there’s one story that Hat will only recount if the narrator promises not to publish it.
Much of the remainder of the book is then told from Hat’s perspective as he explains what happened to him on Halloween night when he was eleven years old. This section has a definite coming-of-age feel to it as Hat and his friend venture into The Backs, a seedy backwoods area that the poorest people from his community live in. What he sees that night changes his life forever, turning him into the withdrawn alcoholic that the narrator met as a college student.
Straub takes great care when bringing Hat to life, detailing a man with unbelievable musical talent who is also haunted by the weight of numerous personal demons. Hat’s story is retold ever so slowly, with just the right pace, as it works its way toward a heartbreaking conclusion. Indeed, Straub’s PORKPIE HAT can be held up as a model for characterization, mood, and slowly building tension.
Simply put, this is how it’s done.
PORKPIE HAT is being released by Cemetery Dance, and will be available in three formats – a $19.99 trade hardcover, a $50 signed limited edition, and a $200 traycased lettered edition. (Note: The signed limited edition has sold out, but there is a waiting list.)
(8 out of 10)
Yes, music is a powerful thing.
Such is the case in Peter Straub’s PORKPIE HAT, a longish novella about a man who is deeply affected by the jazz musicians of his era. The narrator of the story recounts his time as a college student, during which he became fascinated by a saxophonist nicknamed Hat (a name derived from the porkpie hat he always wore). After hearing Hat play a number of times, the narrator asks the musician for an interview. Normally a very private man, Hat acquiesces and agrees to the narrator’s request. While the “official” interview proves to be an interesting study of Hat’s musical career, there’s one story that Hat will only recount if the narrator promises not to publish it.
Much of the remainder of the book is then told from Hat’s perspective as he explains what happened to him on Halloween night when he was eleven years old. This section has a definite coming-of-age feel to it as Hat and his friend venture into The Backs, a seedy backwoods area that the poorest people from his community live in. What he sees that night changes his life forever, turning him into the withdrawn alcoholic that the narrator met as a college student.
Straub takes great care when bringing Hat to life, detailing a man with unbelievable musical talent who is also haunted by the weight of numerous personal demons. Hat’s story is retold ever so slowly, with just the right pace, as it works its way toward a heartbreaking conclusion. Indeed, Straub’s PORKPIE HAT can be held up as a model for characterization, mood, and slowly building tension.
Simply put, this is how it’s done.
PORKPIE HAT is being released by Cemetery Dance, and will be available in three formats – a $19.99 trade hardcover, a $50 signed limited edition, and a $200 traycased lettered edition. (Note: The signed limited edition has sold out, but there is a waiting list.)
(8 out of 10)
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