Told through the eyes of bass player Sid Griffiths, this is
the story of a group of jazz musicians caught up in events in Nazi Germany in
1939 and 1940. The group consists of two
African Americans (Sid and drummer Chip Jones), one Afro-German (trumpeter Hieronymus
“Hiero” Falk) who is the star of the band, and three German musicians
(including one who is Jewish). In
Germany in 1939 the jazz clubs have been shut down, so the band is passing the
time drinking and playing music in an empty club when they are presented with
an opportunity go play in France.
Eventually Sid, Chip, and Hiero make a harrowing escape to France, but
soon find themselves back in a similar situation, full of fear and hiding from
the Nazis, after Germany invades and occupies Paris.
Half-Blood Blues
offers a unique perspective on WWII which will appeal to fans of historical
fiction about this era. Jazz fans will
enjoy the insights into music at the time and the many references jazz legends. This is also a story of friendship, jealousy, loss, and coming to terms with one’s past; themes that will resonate
with a wide variety of readers.
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