Analyzes two groups of musical novels -- novels that take music as a model for their construction -- including jazz novels by Toni Morrison and Michael Ondaatje, and novels based on Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Imitation of Musical Structure, Performance, and Reception in Contemporary Fiction
The book delves into "musical novels," exploring how music influences narrative structure. It focuses on jazz-themed works by Toni Morrison and Michael Ondaatje, examining their rhythmic and improvisational elements. Additionally, it analyzes novels inspired by Bach's Goldberg Variations, highlighting the interplay between music and storytelling. Through this lens, the author reveals the intricate connections between literary form and musical composition, offering a unique perspective on the art of novel writing.