We read the sensational fictional autobiography about Daisy Jones & the Six.
Daisy Jones – the blurb
Everybody knows Daisy Jones and the Six.
From the moment Daisy walked barefoot on to the stage at the Whisky, she and the band were a sensation. Their sound defined an era. Their albums were on every turntable. They sold out arenas from coast to coast.
This is the story of their incredible rise: the desire, the rivalry – and the music.
Then, on 12 July 1979, Daisy Jones and the Six split up.
Nobody knew why. Until now…
They’re a real band right?
What immediately strikes you about Daisy Jones is how authentic it feels. You really believe there was a band called DJ&TS. Reid effortlessly captures the 70s, the rock and roll and the hedonistic lifestyle that was so rife. And Daisy! Man for a drop of her coolness (not so much the drugs nor the champagne and brandy for breakfast). Daisy conjurers up images of Stevie Nicks for me and I’ve spent the last week singing ‘Just like the white winged dove…’
Not another autobiography
Now I’m not a massive fan of autobiographies, So to read one about a fictional band was a bit of a jump. Reid doesn’t just deliver a history of a fake band though, what would be the point? Instead DJ&TS worms with tension and desire. Reid constantly ups the stakes. You feel sure it’s going to erupt on just about every page and the tension makes it almost claustrophobic, but in a good way. Considering the writing is delivered in short interview snippets that’s no mean feat. I also really liked how sometimes characters opinion would differ from what actually happened (coz that’s how it is in real life right?) You get the overall action but are left to decide which character you are going to plump with for the finer detail. Sometimes you have to go with several.
Don’t read this one
I’ll probably put a warner out about this paragraph it contains spoilers. If you haven’t read the book skip to the next paragraph! OK so I expected Reid to plump for the obvious – a torrid affair, an overdose and was so pleased she didn’t. The book was a million per cent better for it. The fact that Billy and Daisy didn’t get together made it more emotional. That Billy didn’t relapse and Daisy didn’t overdose despite both coming so close to crossing the line took it to another level.
You can read this one
My only slight criticism was the ending (like the very last page). It was just a little too sweet for my liking and didn’t seem to fit with the rest of the book. Don’t let that put you off though, I loved this book. I’ve heard it is going to be an Amazon TV series. I hope they do it justice as the book is so bloody good.
