Indigo Blues
Danielle Joseph
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating: [The Breakdown]
Indigo Blues is Danielle Joseph’s second novel following her debut, Shrinking Violet. The novel centers on Indigo Jackson whose ex-boyfriend Adam Spade penned a song titled “Indigo Blues”. The problem begins when his band, Blank Stare makes it big when the song becomes a mega hit. You can infer from the song title that this is no happy-go-lucky song. Fans of Blank Stare begin bashing Indigo and the media are in a frenzy to secure an interview with her, but she’s not interested. In fact, she’s more upset and annoyed than flattered. After all, why did Adam have to use her real name in a song about heartbreak?
Joseph tells the story through two perspectives, Indigo’s and Adam’s and manages to keep the storyline structure smooth. However, after finishing the book it almost feels like something crucial is missing. The events that happen are believable to an extent. Yes, reporters would want to talk to Indigo and fans of the band probably would be out to get her, but I’m not so sure her reactions would stay the same throughout the entire process. Also, for a band that is on top of the billboard charts they would be way busier than how they are portrayed in the book. In fact, I’m not so sure Adam would have had that much time to contemplate Indigo’s feelings. That may have been something he would do after he had written the song and before it was on the airwaves. The ending also leaves you with an unfinished feeling. I expected to see another chapter or an epilogue after the last words, but there was nothing. I don’t see Indigo Blues as having a sequel, so it really should have closed up any unanswered or lingering questions.
After reading and loving her debut novel, Shrinking Violet, I was wondering how Joseph could go from a fun young adult read to Indigo Blues. I actually decided to check out Shrinking Violet after reading Indigo Blues to see if this was part of the writer’s style or if this novel just didn’t make the cut. Turns out I was just disappointed with Indigo Blues. Joseph won me over with Shrinking Violet, but Indigo Blues seems more of a forced effort. Nonetheless, I am eagerly awaiting her next novel, Pure Red which is due out in Fall 2011.
If you have the time and just want to read a quick, light YA book then take your chances on Indigo Blues. But if you want something more worthwhile, I would recommend her first effort, Shrinking Violet.
For more information on Danielle Joseph, check out her official website.
PopZineOnline.com 