When Music Legends Write Fiction: A Missed Note
When a renowned musician ventures into the realm of literature, it's an event that piques curiosity. Robert Forster, the iconic frontman of the Go-Betweens, has proven his prowess with words both in music and memoir writing. So, it's with great anticipation that we approach his debut novel, 'Songwriters on the Run', only to be met with a sense of disappointment.
The novel, set in 1991 Queensland, follows the misadventures of two rock stars, Mick and Drew, who find themselves in a series of unfortunate events. The premise is intriguing, offering a glimpse into the lives of musicians on the run. However, the execution falls short of the promise.
A Dud Note in Fiction
Forster's writing, which shines in his music and memoir, seems to have lost its rhythm in this fictional endeavor. The story, despite its potential for a captivating 'comic odyssey' or 'crime thriller', as suggested by Paul Kelly, fails to deliver. The narrative lacks the emotional depth and resonance that one would expect from a writer of Forster's caliber.
One of the most striking aspects is the dialogue, which often feels forced and laden with exposition. It's as if the characters are merely vehicles for information dumps rather than living, breathing entities. This is particularly evident in the passage where Mick offers advice on songwriting, which comes across as surprisingly uninspired and almost AI-generated.
The Art of Music-Making
Interestingly, the novel's portrayal of music-making, a central theme, is surprisingly superficial. Given Forster's extensive experience in the music industry, one would expect a more nuanced and evocative exploration of the creative process. Instead, we get a fleeting glimpse of lyric-writing and a few scattered references to music greats, which feel more like nods to the author's personal tastes than integral parts of the story.
What many readers might not realize is that writing about music is a delicate art. It requires a unique skill to capture the essence of sound and emotion in words. Forster, in his music criticism for the Monthly, has demonstrated this ability. However, in 'Songwriters on the Run', he seems to have missed an opportunity to showcase the magic of music-making, opting instead for a more generic road trip narrative.
The Saving Grace: Australian Scenes
The novel's saving grace lies in its depiction of Australian locales. Forster's talent shines when he paints vivid pictures of St Kilda in the 1980s and small-town Queensland. These scenes are brought to life with a cinematic quality, offering a sense of place and atmosphere that is sorely missing from other parts of the book.
These passages are where Forster's writing truly resonates, perhaps because they are grounded in his own experiences and observations. They provide a glimpse into the Australia of decades past, a world that feels authentic and tangible.
Final Thoughts
'Songwriters on the Run' is a curious case of a talented musician's foray into fiction. While it falls short in its central narrative and portrayal of music, it offers a few gems in its depiction of Australian life.
Personally, I believe the novel could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the creative process and the inner workings of the music industry. Forster's insights into these aspects could have elevated the story, providing a unique perspective that only a music legend could offer.
This raises a question about the challenges of transitioning from music to literature. Is it the case that the skills required for songwriting and memoir writing don't always translate seamlessly into fiction? Perhaps this is a reminder that each art form demands its own unique approach and skill set.
