Book Review: The Songs of Jesse Adams by Peter McKinnon

Book Description

Set in the turmoil of social change and political unrest of Australia during the 1960s, The Songs of Jesse Adams traces the meteoric rise of a boy from the bush – a farmer’s son who breaks away to follow his heart, his dreams and his love of music. But, as Jesse travels with his band and the crowds gather, it becomes clear that something else is afoot. This rock singer captivates and transforms a host of fans who hear his songs and encounter his touch. 

Lives are changed in unexpected ways and the enigmatic Jesse becomes a symbol of hope and freedom for those on society’s edge. But not all will celebrate the rising tide of influence of this charismatic figure whose words and actions challenge those in power – the media, the politicians, the church. In one tumultuous week this clash of ideals comes to a head – with profound consequences. 

Awash in all the protest and collapse of conservative Australia, the colour and madness that was the sixties, The Songs of Jesse Adams is a tale of conflict, betrayal and tragedy, but ultimately the triumph of love.

Narelle: The Songs of Jesse Adams is different to the books I usually read. It’s a fictional story with Christian content that’s written for a general market audience. The story touches on confronting social issues that will probably offend conservative Christian readers. It has edgy content that doesn’t just prick the so-called ‘Christian bubble’, but blows it apart with dynamite. The book contains strong language that isn’t usually found in the typical Christian fiction book. If you’re offended by reading bad language and blasphemy, this book probably isn’t for you. 

I really liked the story premise. The Songs of Jesse Adams is an allegory of the gospel story, set in Australia in the late 1960′s. If Jesus had lived during this time in history, what would he be doing? Who would he be hanging around? More importantly, who would he offend with his message of love? We follow the character of Jesse Adams, a country boy who forms a band and becomes a well known singer. A charismatic man who draws a crowd and inspires people to follow him. 

If you know the gospel story, you’ll follow the basic plot and discover which characters are inspired by specific Biblical characters. The story has a strong, authentic Australian flavour and includes many colloquial expressions that were common in the 1960′s. For example, nong (idiot), cocky (farmer), grog (liquor), yarns (stories), loos and dunnies (toilets), and chinwag (chat). 

One reason this story is different to my usual choice of reading material is my personal preference for fiction written from a purist point of view. The Songs of Jesse Adams is written from multiple viewpoints, including omniscient (narrator) viewpoint, and there is head hopping within scenes and paragraphs. I can understand why the author has chosen to use multiple viewpoints. It stylistically fits the allegory and the original Biblical narrative story format. The reactions of the people who encounter Jesse are an important aspect of the story.

At times I found the first half of the story difficult to follow because we were introduced to a large cast of characters. I like to become absorbed in a character’s viewpoint, get to know them and become invested in their story journey. It’s harder to do this when we’re moving between a number of character’s heads in a short space of time. I did re-read a few sections to get a handle on what was happening and which characters were involved. Once I passed the half way mark, it became much easier to read and follow each of the main characters. I suspect I’m more sensitive to head hopping than the typical reader, and others may not even notice the viewpoint changes.

I recommend The Songs of Jesse Adams to readers who are looking for gritty, real-to-life fiction that isn’t sugar-coated and challenges their thinking on contemporary social issues. 

I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher.

Letting another child loose

I well remember how I felt in April 2007, when my first novel Heléna was released. What had I done, I wondered. My baby that I had laboured long and hard to bring to birth was now being put out there on show for all to see and perhaps criticise. How vulnerable I felt! What if no one liked it? What if those copies stayed on the shelves in the bookstores and ended up on ‘clearance’ tables?

This past month, my sixth book was released—and I have discovered I am still not used to the whole process of launching a new baby into the world. Besides, there is an extra dose of uncertainty for me in it all this time around, for two reasons. Firstly, it is my first published work of non-fiction. So will those who have read any of my previous five novels be prepared to follow me into the world of non-fiction? And for that matter, will any of those people who don’t read novels be prepared to try my non-fiction offering?

But secondly, I wonder if some readers will find my new book a little too personal and subjective for their tastes. You see, it is entitled Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey and is an honest and intimate portrayal of my own journey with my wise, spiritual mentor and the warm, life-giving relationship that developed between us during our fifteen years of meeting together. Just as I did in my novels, I am still telling a story—but this time it is all true! And that makes me feel very vulnerable indeed.

Yet in another way, I am so excited that this baby of mine has been launched. Apart from wanting to honour my mentor, who is now almost eighty-two, I hope by writing my story to inspire those who read it to seek out a spiritual friendship for themselves or perhaps to provide such a friendship for another. And I also hope to encourage any who are facing similar issues in their own lives not to give up but to find the support they need to pursue their God-given dreams. For any of you who might care to here this spelt out a little more, here is a brief interview style book trailer for Soul Friend:

 

So now the challenge for me is to let this book stand on its own two feet, just as we need to do with any child as it grows up! The book is out there now—what’s done is done. And, since I strongly believe God was behind and in my whole journey of writing Soul Friend, I need to trust God will now use it to bless and encourage others and to bring about all the purposes for which the book was written. And I also believe that, as in the past, God will give me the grace to deal with any comments or feedback I might receive about my new baby, either positive or negative, to take on board what I need to hear and to let the rest go.

How have you found the whole experience of letting one of your ‘book children’ loose? Has it been a mixture of joy and trepidation for you as well?

Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of five published novels – Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna and Heléna’s Legacy—and one non-fiction work, Soul Friend: the story of a shared spiritual journey. Her sixth novel, The Inheritance, will be released in 2013. Jo-Anne is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and three grandchildren. For more information, please visit www.jo-anneberthelsen.com or www.soulfriend.com.au.