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The Hour of the Innocents
1968. Vietnam. Social turmoil. Drugs. Music.
Four young musicians are determined to escape a ravaged industrial landscape by playing rock and roll...and they play it with a passion and brilliance that contrasts with their poverty. Music is the only hope they have. Set against a fleeting age when music seemed about to change the world, Robert Paston's The Hour of the Innocents tells the story of the band known as The Innocents and captures the true drama of the late 1960s―not the glitter of famous names, but the yearning of the heartland guitarists and drummers who believed… and the lovers, friends, and lives crushed along the way.
Four young musicians are determined to escape a ravaged industrial landscape by playing rock and roll...and they play it with a passion and brilliance that contrasts with their poverty. Music is the only hope they have. Set against a fleeting age when music seemed about to change the world, Robert Paston's The Hour of the Innocents tells the story of the band known as The Innocents and captures the true drama of the late 1960s―not the glitter of famous names, but the yearning of the heartland guitarists and drummers who believed… and the lovers, friends, and lives crushed along the way.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 23, 2016
*Note: The rating I gave is 4 stars because it had to be in whole numbers but I felt like this book was more of a 4.5 star read.
I received this book as a Goodreads' First Read and I want to thank the author for giving me a chance to read this novel.
The Hour of the Innocents is a historical fiction with a literary twist. The book is told from the perspective of Will, aka Bark, and follows the rise and fall of a band called The Innocents during the turmoil of the 1960s. Will may be the protagonist but in a way he is a foil as well; a large amount of the plot revolves around Will’s friend and rival Matty.
The author has a good, fluid writing style with a strong voice. The poetic music lyrics were enjoyable and well written. There were a few times where the style tried too hard to be literary and dropped a few too many names, but thankfully these occurrences were few and far between.
The novel does a good job of catching the essence of the time period. Romance, sex, and drugs all play a role in the story. The plot was slightly predictable but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. The pacing was engaging and not too slow. The one criticism I have of the plot is that it leaves a few angles unexplored and under-developed; certain elements of the ending felt like they could have been explored more fully.
This was very much a character driven story. The characterization approach reminded me of the author Tamiki Wakaki and how he wrote the manga series The World God Only Knows. By this I mean that the author managed to take somewhat cliché character stereotypes and developed them into realistic and complex people.
Overall this was a highly enjoyable read with deeper undertones. I would certainly recommend this to other readers.
I received this book as a Goodreads' First Read and I want to thank the author for giving me a chance to read this novel.
The Hour of the Innocents is a historical fiction with a literary twist. The book is told from the perspective of Will, aka Bark, and follows the rise and fall of a band called The Innocents during the turmoil of the 1960s. Will may be the protagonist but in a way he is a foil as well; a large amount of the plot revolves around Will’s friend and rival Matty.
The author has a good, fluid writing style with a strong voice. The poetic music lyrics were enjoyable and well written. There were a few times where the style tried too hard to be literary and dropped a few too many names, but thankfully these occurrences were few and far between.
The novel does a good job of catching the essence of the time period. Romance, sex, and drugs all play a role in the story. The plot was slightly predictable but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. The pacing was engaging and not too slow. The one criticism I have of the plot is that it leaves a few angles unexplored and under-developed; certain elements of the ending felt like they could have been explored more fully.
This was very much a character driven story. The characterization approach reminded me of the author Tamiki Wakaki and how he wrote the manga series The World God Only Knows. By this I mean that the author managed to take somewhat cliché character stereotypes and developed them into realistic and complex people.
Overall this was a highly enjoyable read with deeper undertones. I would certainly recommend this to other readers.
February 25, 2018
Just didn't do it for me though I'm not sure why. It should have ticked all my boxes: music, time period, East Coast, working class,etc. But it felt hollow to me. Factor in that I had the flu while reading!
July 5, 2018
4.5/5
June 9, 2014
I received an advanced reading copy of this from Forge Books via the Goodreads' First-Reads Giveaway program.
I ignorantly assumed that the Tor and Forge imprints of Macmillan were both for science fiction and fantasy, exclusively. The Hour of the Innocents then came as a surprise as I made my way into the novel and realized this wasn’t the case. Yet, this unmet expectation may have actually enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of the novel because that was the only real unexpected element in this reading experience. This fictional story of a late 1960′s rock band is grounded in a historical reality, the characters are familiar types, and the plot proceeds fairly predictably. However, for all its familiarity, Paston writes the novel with a passionate authenticity and clear voice, making it a piece of nostalgic entertainment with bittersweet fondness for an era of extreme power both high and low.
Each of the characters is an archetype of rock music – the wild frontman who sings, the strong, silent-type guitar player with exceptional musical talent, the level-headed keeps-to-himself drummer, and the songwriter, full of self-doubt. They all share in a common hope, a dream of making it, success that will give them the freedom to just write and play music that can soothe their souls, and touch others. The Hour of the Innocents is about the birth of this all, and the rough road of imperfect personalities and troubled actions that lie in the path to realization of that dream.
What ends up occurring in the novel is therefore no big surprise given the set up. What makes it work is precisely how true to life, how familiar, Paston writes it. You can tell that Paston is just as passionate about the music and this time as his characters.Though brief, the chapters dealing with Vietnam directly or its aftermath, are vivid and moving, and are examples of the more unique moments in the novel, the verses to the more familiar band-member-interaction refrains of the composition.
The Hour of the Innocents will be of interest to anyone with an appreciation for rock music and its history, and to those who would appreciate the backdrop of the era as setting for literary exploration of character interaction, as long as the character familiarity and plot predictability can be overlooked for enjoyment of the journey.
I ignorantly assumed that the Tor and Forge imprints of Macmillan were both for science fiction and fantasy, exclusively. The Hour of the Innocents then came as a surprise as I made my way into the novel and realized this wasn’t the case. Yet, this unmet expectation may have actually enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of the novel because that was the only real unexpected element in this reading experience. This fictional story of a late 1960′s rock band is grounded in a historical reality, the characters are familiar types, and the plot proceeds fairly predictably. However, for all its familiarity, Paston writes the novel with a passionate authenticity and clear voice, making it a piece of nostalgic entertainment with bittersweet fondness for an era of extreme power both high and low.
Each of the characters is an archetype of rock music – the wild frontman who sings, the strong, silent-type guitar player with exceptional musical talent, the level-headed keeps-to-himself drummer, and the songwriter, full of self-doubt. They all share in a common hope, a dream of making it, success that will give them the freedom to just write and play music that can soothe their souls, and touch others. The Hour of the Innocents is about the birth of this all, and the rough road of imperfect personalities and troubled actions that lie in the path to realization of that dream.
What ends up occurring in the novel is therefore no big surprise given the set up. What makes it work is precisely how true to life, how familiar, Paston writes it. You can tell that Paston is just as passionate about the music and this time as his characters.Though brief, the chapters dealing with Vietnam directly or its aftermath, are vivid and moving, and are examples of the more unique moments in the novel, the verses to the more familiar band-member-interaction refrains of the composition.
The Hour of the Innocents will be of interest to anyone with an appreciation for rock music and its history, and to those who would appreciate the backdrop of the era as setting for literary exploration of character interaction, as long as the character familiarity and plot predictability can be overlooked for enjoyment of the journey.
February 24, 2017
At risk of plagiarizing myself, I copied my Sept. 2015 Amazon review (w/minor edits):
I’m generally skeptical about rock & roll books, especially novels. It’s a myth-laden avenue of culture that’s all too easy for an author to fake. It’s possible to do a creditable job of “exposing” the myth, but such tomes usually base themselves on the worn out touchstones of a generation that sold itself out, and whose main contribution to popular music is the equally worn out “Classic Rock” genre that offers too much “Evil Ways” or “Layla” too many times a day.
Robert Paston’s “The Hour of the Innocents” doesn’t fake it. There’s nothing glamorous or easy about this story. Paston understands what the late 1960s music environment was about, and that most bands and musicians of that era had no chance to “make it.” The fact that they tried under the weights of the Vietnam War and the tight oppressions of working class sensibilities was the only real hope many of them had. Given this motivation, optimism soon became the road to pessimism.
In his book “Rock and the Pop Narcotic,” Joe Carducci convincingly made the case that all rock bands are doomed to failure. There may be exceptions but few ideas are as true as this. Face it: most musical legends of the 60s and 70s died in their heyday (or got horribly burned out), and even “The King” kicked the bucket whilst on the throne. Paston knows what it’s like to be in a working band and “The Hour of the Innocents” is written beneath the surface with details accurate enough to see and hear, and the personal relationships are as uncomfortable as ever.
In the sense that music was never meant to be perfect, this debut novel stands, slouches, hits escape velocity, and when it’s over, it’s over. Such is the nature of rock & roll and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m generally skeptical about rock & roll books, especially novels. It’s a myth-laden avenue of culture that’s all too easy for an author to fake. It’s possible to do a creditable job of “exposing” the myth, but such tomes usually base themselves on the worn out touchstones of a generation that sold itself out, and whose main contribution to popular music is the equally worn out “Classic Rock” genre that offers too much “Evil Ways” or “Layla” too many times a day.
Robert Paston’s “The Hour of the Innocents” doesn’t fake it. There’s nothing glamorous or easy about this story. Paston understands what the late 1960s music environment was about, and that most bands and musicians of that era had no chance to “make it.” The fact that they tried under the weights of the Vietnam War and the tight oppressions of working class sensibilities was the only real hope many of them had. Given this motivation, optimism soon became the road to pessimism.
In his book “Rock and the Pop Narcotic,” Joe Carducci convincingly made the case that all rock bands are doomed to failure. There may be exceptions but few ideas are as true as this. Face it: most musical legends of the 60s and 70s died in their heyday (or got horribly burned out), and even “The King” kicked the bucket whilst on the throne. Paston knows what it’s like to be in a working band and “The Hour of the Innocents” is written beneath the surface with details accurate enough to see and hear, and the personal relationships are as uncomfortable as ever.
In the sense that music was never meant to be perfect, this debut novel stands, slouches, hits escape velocity, and when it’s over, it’s over. Such is the nature of rock & roll and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
August 6, 2016
It’s 1968, the Vietnam War era. A local Pennsylvania band is trying to make it big. Frankie the charismatic lead singer and bass player, Stosh the drummer and money handler, Mattie the dynamic lead guitar player and Vietnam vet and Will the song writer and guitar player. This is a well-written, character driven novel that manages to capture a small period in our history.
The story is told in Will’s voice and it works well because Will is the outsider of the band, the last one to join who was afraid that Mattie’s return from the Army would be the end for him but he writes their songs and they need him like they need Mattie’s wild guitar riffs and Frankie’s outrageous front man behavior and now they can feel that their time has come. Finally offered a chance to prove they have what it takes to make it, that it’s their time until…..
The author has captured that moment when this struggling band is trying to succeed amidst the war, hippies, drugs, sex, anger, love and self-destruction. This book expresses the feeling of impending doom that colored everything that was happening during that period. Then, there’s the music that’s always there in the background which was so much a part of that time.
The author truly did a very good job of recreating a time when a generation of kids escaped the reality of the Vietnam War with drugs and sex and rock’n’roll. Well done.
This book was won in a First Reads giveaway.
The story is told in Will’s voice and it works well because Will is the outsider of the band, the last one to join who was afraid that Mattie’s return from the Army would be the end for him but he writes their songs and they need him like they need Mattie’s wild guitar riffs and Frankie’s outrageous front man behavior and now they can feel that their time has come. Finally offered a chance to prove they have what it takes to make it, that it’s their time until…..
The author has captured that moment when this struggling band is trying to succeed amidst the war, hippies, drugs, sex, anger, love and self-destruction. This book expresses the feeling of impending doom that colored everything that was happening during that period. Then, there’s the music that’s always there in the background which was so much a part of that time.
The author truly did a very good job of recreating a time when a generation of kids escaped the reality of the Vietnam War with drugs and sex and rock’n’roll. Well done.
This book was won in a First Reads giveaway.
February 6, 2018
The Hour of the Innocents is the story of Will and the band The Innocents and their desire to make it in a moment where music was having a major role in history. It's a story about many things, you have friendship, growing up, family, post-war life and so much more.
I liked the portrayal of the era, you can feel the sixties in the air and the author created a story that really reflects the moment. I also liked the songs, I wanted to listen to them and really hear how they sound.
I didn't like the book as much as I would have liked. There was something in the story that lost me for moments. I mean the characters are good and you can feel the author admiration for this musical era but for me, it felt too documentary for moments and I lost the pace I like in fiction books.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ****
I liked the portrayal of the era, you can feel the sixties in the air and the author created a story that really reflects the moment. I also liked the songs, I wanted to listen to them and really hear how they sound.
I didn't like the book as much as I would have liked. There was something in the story that lost me for moments. I mean the characters are good and you can feel the author admiration for this musical era but for me, it felt too documentary for moments and I lost the pace I like in fiction books.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ****
August 1, 2014
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I flat out liked this book. This book was different for me. The book is set during Vietnam when the music scene was changing in America.
The book centers around the characters that make up the band "The Innocents".
I found myself not getting attached to any one character as much as I found myself attached to the band. But the band had to have each person to make their magic, that story is really well done. I can't wait to read more by this author!
I flat out liked this book. This book was different for me. The book is set during Vietnam when the music scene was changing in America.
The book centers around the characters that make up the band "The Innocents".
I found myself not getting attached to any one character as much as I found myself attached to the band. But the band had to have each person to make their magic, that story is really well done. I can't wait to read more by this author!
January 26, 2016
I really liked this book. The author does a good job of recreating the era. The characters are interesting though somewhat predictable. The story is a little predictable as well, but the author tells it in such a convincing way that it doesn't matter. The musical descriptions actually had me reminiscing my garage band days. Readers may complain of some story threads that aren't fully explored, but it makes sense in the context of the story. This book may not be for everyone, but I think anyone with an appreciation of rock music and its history will enjoy it.
May 2, 2014
Thanks to NetGalley and Forge books for a free advance download of The Hour of the Innocents.
I enjoyed The Hour of the Innocents. This novel is set in Pennsylvania during the Vietnam War era. The author covers the music and drug culture well enough, and crooked law enforcement in Appalachia, too. The poetry throughout is a nice addition. I don't know that it had enough redeeming value to give it more than three stars, but I would recommend this one to my music-loving reader friends.
I enjoyed The Hour of the Innocents. This novel is set in Pennsylvania during the Vietnam War era. The author covers the music and drug culture well enough, and crooked law enforcement in Appalachia, too. The poetry throughout is a nice addition. I don't know that it had enough redeeming value to give it more than three stars, but I would recommend this one to my music-loving reader friends.
April 12, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was set near my hometown too. I enjoyed reading about the area and the story was a good one as well. It was an eye opening experience about friendships and trying to make something of ones self. It was very well written and a fun book to read, but the ending was both surprising and very sad. It was a good coming of age book. I hope to read more by this author in the future!
July 12, 2014
This was a fun read; a trip back to the 60s with dreams of making it big in rock & roll.
October 31, 2014
I liked this book but it was a little disappointing to me. I had different expectations I think. I really don't know what my expectations were but whenever I gave them up I enjoyed the book more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews