Rehearsal, A Different Drummer
By: LK Hunsaker
623 pages
$26.95
ISBN: 0-7414-3267-6
Infinity Publishing
“Rehearsal” assembles an ensemble cast to tell the story of a rock band, Raucous, that comes of age in the 1970′s. Evan Scott, the backbone of the band and all-around nice guy, invites Duncan O’Neil, a drifter from Scotland, to join the band. Evan likes Duncan and hopes the Scot will find stability and settle down. Indeed, Duncan’s playing raises the bar in the band and steps them up to the next level.
Complications arise when Duncan meets Susie Brooks, Evan’s childhood friend. Evan genuinely loves Susie, and Susie him, however Evan and Susie just can’t seem to confess their true feelings for another. There’s a lot of longing and unspoken feelings between them. Duncan sparks Susie’s fire. He brings out facets of her personality that Evan doesn’t. When Susie pursues a relationship with Duncan, Evan isn’t sure how to react, especially since he knows Duncan’s reluctance to commit to anyone or anything since he’s in the country illegally. Exacerbating matters is the fact that John, Susie’s father, doesn’t approve of her dating Duncan.
The secondary characters and supporting cast are also compelling. Kate is the most complex. She’s Susie’s roommate and friend. Her character embodies the free spirit of the Seventies. When Kate discovers she’s pregnant, she doesn’t know who the father is. Mike, the lead singer of the band, and Evan’s friend, steps up to the plate, only to rebuked by Kate time and again.
Raucous goes on tour with an established band named Blue River, and starts to pay its dues. Touring is demanding however and challenges the band members to keep their cool with each other and outside forces including an annoying manager who is strictly in it for the money and the intrusive press corps.
As the story winds down, Raucous finds itself on the verge of commercial success. A satisfying ending leaves room for a sequel.
The novel is lengthy and time consuming. There’s meaning to the plot, but the pacing is slow. This is not the type of book you can devour on a cold rainy Saturday in front of the fireplace.
One of the book’s strengths is the rich characterization. Everyone’s high and low points are examined, letting their humanity shine through.
The book is set in New England and Mid-Atlantic states. The author does a good job establishing the time period and the places where the band goes on tour, but their home isn’t clearly set with the reader until well into the novel.
The dialogue is easy to read, but there were times when small talk slowed the pacing. The story is told in the third person, but tends to skip narration without line breaks.
Overall, the characters appeal is that their struggles, heartbreaks, and triumphs are things today’s readers can identify with.
Book Review for "Rehearsal"
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