Orpheus' Blues

by Carlos E. Rubio

ORPHEUS’ BLUES is a novel of self-discovery. We first meet Jack Stewart on his way back to his apartment in New York City, where he is pursuing a career as a jazz musician.

As the novel unfolds, we learn of the difficulties he encounters, of the friendship he develops with George, his roommate—also a jazz musician—and the women he meets in the city. But more importantly, we learn of the very close relationship he has with his mother, who writes to him regularly from Southern Virginia. Through these letters and series of flashbacks , we come to understand Jack’s background, the stifling environment he left behind, and his father’s resentment and disappointment that he did not take up the family business.

But it is Hans, proprietor of The Empty Hand, philosopher and benefactor of every artist, who holds the novel together. It is from him that Jack receives those words of wisdom and encouragement so necessary for every artist.

At the end of the novel, when Jack believes that he has made sense of it all, everything unravels. It is then that he must travel back to Virginia to face his father, his former friends and his unresolved past.

171 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

A native of Cuba, Carlos Rubio came to the United States in 1961 and finished high school in Wilmington, Delaware. His first short story was published while attending Concord College, in Athens, WV. A bilingual novelist, in Spanish he has writeen Caleidoscopio, Saga, Orisha and Hubris. In 1989 his novel Quadrivium received the Nuevo León International Prize for Novels. In English he is the author of Orpheus’ Blues, Secret Memories and American Triptych, a trilogy of satirical novels. In 2004 his novel Dead Time received Foreword’s Magazine Book of the Year Award. His latest novel is entitled Forgotten Objects.

Reviews

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading forgotten Objects by Carlos Rubio, I was curious about his other works and chose Orpheus’ Blues as my next read. When I began reading this novel, I was not terribly interested in the world of jazz. However, with Rubio’s ability to draw the reader into the story, I found myself wanting to learn more about the subject. Jack, the main character, has challenges with his life and although he seems to attract people that are willing (and eager) to help him, he appears rather cold and detached until the end of the book. At the end, Jack experiences a devastating loss. At that time, he appears to find himself and the reader is left wanting to know what happens to him after the story ends. Rubio adds characters throughout the book who always have a message for Jack (although the message is often not obvious). From George and Hans, to Carolyn and Lorraine, each of these people could easily have a book of their own, so strong are their personalities and stories. Whether you love jazz or not, you’ll love this fabulous story.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, at least it was short. Seemed amateurish. Lots of repetition. One-dimensional characters. Poor dialogue. Had to read for book club. Again, at least it was short.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline of this novel is fairly interesting, but I didn't much care for the writing style. There is a sort of bizarre blend of essentialism and magical realism. Rubio spends a lot of time showing off his extensive knowledge of jazz history and musicians, and it feels like name-dropping at some points. But there are also sections with a sort of transcendant magical realism when he describes the power of music and musicians.