This Bird has Flown — book review of Susanna Hoffs debut novel

Summary

Susanna Hoffs' debut novel, "This Bird Has Flown," is a well-received blend of rock music and literature, featuring a brisk narrative and vivid characters.

Abstract

The novel "This Bird Has Flown" by Susanna Hoffs, known for her musical talents, is a successful fusion of sixties pop and rock culture with literary and philosophical undertones. The book's title and chapter headings reference popular songs, reflecting the author's deep knowledge of music. The narrative is described as sound, brisk, and poetic, with a strong sense of imagery. The story's pace and plot are likened to a screenplay, suggesting it could transition smoothly to film. The sexual tension between the protagonists is a notable element, tastefully handled without delving into explicit detail. The secondary and tertiary characters are vividly portrayed, inviting readers to speculate on their real-life inspirations. The novel is praised for its readability, musical references, and literary allusions, making it an enjoyable and culturally rich read.

Opinions

The novel is commended for its unique mix of music and literature, which enhances its appeal.
The writing style is lauded for its poetic imagery and brisk pace.
The sexual chemistry between the main characters is acknowledged as a surprising yet tastefully executed aspect of the book.
The plot is considered well-paced and plausible, with a structure that suggests it would adapt well to film.
The depth of musical knowledge, as evidenced by the song references in titles and chapters, is appreciated and adds to the book's charm.
The cast of supporting characters is seen as vivid and engaging, potentially drawing from real-life figures in the music industry.
Overall, the book is deemed an impressive and highly readable debut, filled with fun cultural references.

‘This Bird Has Flown’ — Book Review of Susanna Hoffs’ Debut Novel

Kaka picture by author

It could be rock com. It could be rock ’n’ roll com. Or even romantic rock com. Whatever nomenclature you give it, it is a fine book.

It goes without saying the author is known for her talents in songwriting, singing, and guitar. She has added and combined talents and knowledge of sixties (especially) pop, rock, and psychedelic rock alongside the literature and philosophy readings of an 80s undergraduate.

That mix serves her well to enthuse and spike her work with the many song and literature references that colour this work. The title and each chapter heading are a nod to an apt song title. The writing is sound and brisk, and the imagery flourishes are poetical. Unexpected was the steaminess of the sexual attraction between the two protagonists. Always stopping short of leading the reader too far into the bed or other setting.

It is a novel with a film screenplay in mind, so the plot paces along well without too much forced coincidence or implausibility. The cast of secondary and tertiary characters are vivid and oh to join the dots on who they are based on or drawn from—all in all, an impressive and highly readable debut.

The songs cited for headings include:

The title comes from the subtitle of Norwegian Wood (‘This Bird Has Flown’) — The Beatles

‘Friday I’m in Love’ (The Cure, of course, and title of Part One)

‘Tears of a Clown’ (the British Ska band The Beat, and a band the Bangles toured with, and chapter heading)

‘Hot for Teacher’ (Van Halen and chapter heading)

‘Sexual Healing’ (Marvin Gay and chapter heading)

‘I Want You to Want Me’ (Cheap Trick and chapter heading)

‘Monday Monday’ (The Mamas and the Papas and chapter heading)

‘Rebel Rebel’ (David Bowie and chapter heading)

‘What’s New Pussy Cat?’ (Tom Jones and chapter heading)

‘Here She Comes Again’ (Chris Hillman ex the Bryds and chapter heading)

‘Friday On My Mind’ Australia’s 60s beat band the Easy Beats featuring AC DC lineage and chapter heading)

‘Who Will Stop the Rain?’ (Creedence Clearwater Revival covers and chapter heading)

‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ (The Beatles again and chapter heading)

‘Shit Fuck Paris France’ or ‘Under my Thumb’ (the latter the Rolling Stones. and a recent cover by Susanna and chapter heading)

‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ (John Denver and chapter heading)

Many more songs, literary references, and films are sprinkled throughout the book. It is a lot of fun, and I would capture them all in a month of Sundays.