Monday, September 4, 2023

Review: Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, 2019

Daisy Jones & The Six Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review: "Daisy Jones & The Six" - A Nostalgic Dive into the '70s Rock Scene

"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a novel that I devoured in a day, much like one would indulge in a guilty pleasure (tub of ice cream). Set against the backdrop of the 1970s rock scene, the book offers a unique narrative style, presenting the story as an oral history through interleaved interviews. While this format isn't groundbreaking, having been used in other literary works, it largely worked for me, drawing me into the whirlwind world of rock 'n' roll.

The narrative unfolds through an oral history format, with interleaved interviews painting a vivid picture of each character's perspective. While this unique style has been employed in other literary works, it mostly resonated with me. However, the chapter introducing the members of The Six felt a tad overwhelming, making it momentarily challenging to latch onto each character. But as the plot advanced, the intertwined lives and narratives of "The Six" began to crystallize.

At the heart of the story are Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne. Daisy, with her raw talent and wild spirit,

dreams of making it big on the Sunset Strip. Billy, the lead singer of The Six, grapples with the pressures of fame and family. Their worlds collide when a duet turns into a partnership, leading to palpable chemistry and chart-topping hits. But it's their off-stage dynamics, filled with tension, passion, and unspoken emotions, that form the crux of the story. Their struggles, yearnings, and the tension between committed love and passionate desire are beautifully portrayed. A particular scene that tugged at my heartstrings was their live performance of "Honeycomb" on SNL. The raw emotions of realizing their love for each other, juxtaposed with the reality of Billy's commitments, were heart-wrenching.

While the book offers a peek into the '70s, its portrayal of diversity (or lack thereof) is a point of contention. Daisy's character, with her cis straight white privilege, sometimes came off as ignorant. The inclusion of Simone felt like a mere tick in the diversity box without giving her a substantial backstory. However, considering the era the novel is set in, perhaps this portrayal is not far from reality.


The book's climax, especially Camilla's letter, was a blend of cheesy romance and genuine emotion, which surprisingly worked. It encapsulated the essence of choosing an imperfect love for a fulfilling life.

It's evident that "Daisy Jones & The Six" is a divisive read. Some find it clichéd, while others praise its unique storytelling. For me, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of rock music.

In conclusion, "Daisy Jones & The Six" is a compelling read that beautifully captures the essence of the '70s rock scene. While it has its flaws, the emotional depth and the narrative style of choice make it a good, if not a guilty, read. 

I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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