Description
“Coming Through Slaughter” is a novel by Michael Ondaatje, published in 1976. It’s a fictionalized account of the life of the jazz musician Buddy Bolden, who was a key figure in the early development of jazz in New Orleans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The novel is known for its innovative and lyrical style, blending historical fact with Ondaatje’s imaginative interpretation of Bolden’s life. It explores Bolden’s rise to fame as a pioneering cornet player, his struggles with mental illness, and his eventual descent into obscurity and madness.
Ondaatje’s prose is characterized by its poetic language, fragmented narrative structure, and vivid imagery, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of turn-of-the-century New Orleans and the improvisational spirit of jazz music.
“Coming Through Slaughter” is not only a biography of a jazz legend but also a meditation on creativity, identity, and the elusive nature of genius. It’s a compelling and evocative exploration of the intersection between art and madness, firmly establishing Ondaatje as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary literature.
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