Tale of Ben Shattuck's Account on Love and Tunes
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In the quaint rural landscapes of New England, the story of two young music students, David and Lionel, unfolds in Ben Shattuck's captivating novel, "The History of Sound." Published by Hanser Verlag at the end of July, this heartfelt tale has garnered praise for its exploration of love, folklore, and the promise of a brighter future.
Set against the backdrop of the Boston Conservatory in 1917, the novel follows the duo's journey during and after World War I. As the narrative unfolds, readers are treated to a winter spent collecting folk songs in Maine, an endeavour that serves as a poignant metaphor for the deep emotional connections between the two protagonists.
Lionel, the narrator of the novel, shares his eye-opening encounter with David, describing it as love at first sight. The story delves into their shared passion for folk music and the profound impact this relationship had on Lionel's life. Despite the war that separates them, Lionel's memories of David remain a haunting presence, shaping his later successes and loves.
The themes of love, New England, and preservation of folklore are intricately woven throughout the narrative. The novel offers a tender, evocative exploration of queer love during a time of social repression, emphasizing emotional and intellectual intimacy over explicit physicality. The setting in rural Maine and the Boston Conservatory grounds the story in New England’s distinctive folk culture, resonating with the region’s tradition of storytelling and cultural conservation.
The folk songs collected by David and Lionel serve a dual purpose—an act of cultural preservation during a dynamic historical period and a metaphor for memory and connection. This collection of music symbolizes how personal and communal histories endure across time, highlighting the power of art to capture and sustain human experience.
Decades later, a woman discovers these records in her attic and embarks on a quest to uncover their origin. Her journey leads her to the heart of the story, revealing the intimate details of David and Lionel's love story, their journey, and the songs that bound them together.
"The History of Sound" is a beautifully written novel that offers a heartfelt recommendation for readers. The first 100 pages are a delight to read, setting the stage for an outstanding narrative that explores the past, offers room for interpretation, and provides a satisfying closure. This tender tale of love and preservation is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh and layered narrative that emphasizes the emotional textures of intimacy and memory against the scenic and historical backdrop of early 20th-century New England folk traditions.
In the process of uncovering her family's history, the woman stumbles upon a collection of old books focusing on the New England lifestyle and folk music of the early 20th century. These books, filled with tales of love and preservation, remind her of the captivating novel "The History of Sound," which she remembers reading about entertainment and its impact on people's lives.
