Ozgur Tacer

It is a weird sensation to read this novel in those troubled times of pandemic. A Song for a New Day have landed perfectly on the spot and will probably age well in future. The book has tons of merits against a few number of flows, which can easily be disregarded to the favour of the former: First and foremost, this is a "solid" piece of "soft" science-fiction on music and entertainment industry. The very idea itself is original and daring, since common sci-fi reader would definitely underrate it for not dealing with "grand issues" like a hammering dystopia, saving the world, bloodfight against the system and so forth... The author's proposition is modest, yet powerful: in a world where social gatherings are prohibited, music venues are closed, creativity is gagged by banality, how can music survive? For me it is no less critical than a typical grand narrative of an ambitious political science fiction and the whole story is delivered pretty well. The quasi-apocalyptic world in a post-pandemic era is portrayed very realistically and with no dramatic exaggerations: no killing, no violence, no purges, no cannibals. Just annoying police squads, a couple of monopolistic corporations and socially detached, alienated individuals... It is surprising to see how such petty elements translate into a dark, grim future. Sarah Pinsker did a good work in setting the scene natural and believable, yet scales a level of estrangement. She also paints bold when it comes to consumerism, mass-anxiety, dispirited youth, ruling over fear and how punk-rock stands up against them all. Any boomer with some affinity to alt' and indie music of 90's would definitely be spirited up reading this. Like me. On the downside, the narration is a bit too didactic: some parts are largely devoted to describe the basics of live music, gigs, underground culture and punk. It is understandable considering that millennials will also read it but, duh. Sometimes boring. Two protagonists are quite cliché -yet relatable. The ending is also a bit too convenient and romantic for my taste. But maybe so it appeals to most readers. In overall, A Song for a New Day was a good journey into the heart of America in the "new normal", geared up with amps and guitars. Definitely not for everyone, but it hit the strings in me. P.S: It is best savored with Patty Smith, Blondie, Joan Jett and Pat Benatar on background.