akofena

Admittedly, I am a total sucker for a good father/daughter story and this one did not disappoint! The main character was a father and a jazz musician – so, you got me Ms. Laura Warrell 🙌🏽.

I actually started Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm last fall, but got so busy with life that I had to pause and come back to it later. My close friends teased me a bit about how long I was “reading it”. It took long enough, but once I restarted, I couldn’t put it down. It was a great story and I really hope Laura keeps writing. I’m a fan!

The story begins in Miami, right before a jazz gig, and the main character Circus Palmer is caught at a crossroad. Circus has been a womanizer of sorts for a long time and it seems like things are beginning to shift. We meet the main women currently in his life – his lovers, his daughter and her mother and other relatives and associates – even his bandmate, who is a their drummer!

Although the book focuses on Circus and many of the messes he has made, we are able to see his evolution as well the growth and maturation of his daughter. Being a father of one daughter, and a musician, I found this book so relatable, and so enjoyable. I don’t see myself as Circus Palmer, but I see myself in him. Parental dynamics can be universal. The dynamics of a jazz musician can also be universal. I loved it. peace