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Songs out of Time #1
Harmony Lost
ASIN B0854B45J6 moved to the more recent edition
Mini-skirted Pamela collapses in an alley. But she’s not the usual doped up teen. She wakes with no memories, an angry voice jabbering in her head, and a vague sense she's on a mission.
It's 1969, and London's in full swing with no time for earnest, kind and profoundly square Pam. Lost and lonely, she must navigate sniping housemates, her flighty ambisexual husband, and his fractious rock band.
But the band might be her mission, so she's determined to stick to her values and work hard - even if her quest requires polyester shirts and chunky black eyelash paint. With her positive attitude and reliability, she just might launch the band to fame.
Then she encounters rock-and-roll's seedy side, and her raucous internal voice grows louder and harder to control. And strange clues point toward her true mission, a serious mission – one she can only begin to piece together...
Mini-skirted Pamela collapses in an alley. But she’s not the usual doped up teen. She wakes with no memories, an angry voice jabbering in her head, and a vague sense she's on a mission.
It's 1969, and London's in full swing with no time for earnest, kind and profoundly square Pam. Lost and lonely, she must navigate sniping housemates, her flighty ambisexual husband, and his fractious rock band.
But the band might be her mission, so she's determined to stick to her values and work hard - even if her quest requires polyester shirts and chunky black eyelash paint. With her positive attitude and reliability, she just might launch the band to fame.
Then she encounters rock-and-roll's seedy side, and her raucous internal voice grows louder and harder to control. And strange clues point toward her true mission, a serious mission – one she can only begin to piece together...
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First published February 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 9, 2020
“We rush to expose demons but are slow to recognize angels. I’ve always wondered why.”
I’m not often blown away by a line, but this one got an audible reaction out of me while reading.
I ended up really enjoying this one, against all odds. It starts off really slow and (for me) hard to get invested in. Honestly I didn’t start to really get sucked in until about halfway through the book when Pam encounters Mr. Buffon. The story really picks up from there and the pages flew by!
The characters are superbly done, the cast easily carried the story. Some are charming, others despicable, and a few creeps. Pam is absolutely delightful, I loved her. Even with Vi interrupting her all the time. But that was a fantastic part of the plot.
The dialogue was also very well written and didn’t feel clunky at all. I really liked the ending as well, and it felt exactly right. A great way to bid these characters farewell.
Honestly, I loved it. My only major criticism is the overall length and the slow build. I feel like a VERY large portion of he first half of the book could have been cut and we wouldn’t miss it. Kinda felt like the stage was set several times over when once would have sufficed. But overall a great read and one I highly recommend!
I’m not often blown away by a line, but this one got an audible reaction out of me while reading.
I ended up really enjoying this one, against all odds. It starts off really slow and (for me) hard to get invested in. Honestly I didn’t start to really get sucked in until about halfway through the book when Pam encounters Mr. Buffon. The story really picks up from there and the pages flew by!
The characters are superbly done, the cast easily carried the story. Some are charming, others despicable, and a few creeps. Pam is absolutely delightful, I loved her. Even with Vi interrupting her all the time. But that was a fantastic part of the plot.
The dialogue was also very well written and didn’t feel clunky at all. I really liked the ending as well, and it felt exactly right. A great way to bid these characters farewell.
Honestly, I loved it. My only major criticism is the overall length and the slow build. I feel like a VERY large portion of he first half of the book could have been cut and we wouldn’t miss it. Kinda felt like the stage was set several times over when once would have sufficed. But overall a great read and one I highly recommend!
June 20, 2020
Harmony Lost is the story of Pam, a twenty-something who “wakes up” in a body that is not her own. She appears to be from a different time, so she has almost zero cultural knowledge of 1960s England where she’s landed. The old occupant of the body was married to a struggling, troubled, and sexuality-fluid musician (Martin) and she treated him horribly.
Not only is Pam guilty about what has happened, she has someone in the body with her! She shares it with a spiteful, violent personality who is nearly beyond control. Pam names the other “Vi”, and attempts to make amends for the former occupant (wherever she went) and convince her skeptical husband that she is not just playing another mean prank on him.
Pam (who is a very nice person) attempts to navigate this strange terrain and help Martin achieve his dream of making it big as a musician. The character development is great. Pam is a very engaging character. Stella Jorette really gives you a feel for how crowded it must feel in the back of a shitty touring van headed to a questionable gig with a bunch of people you only like a little.
The author may have created one too many characters for Pam’s body, but I liked the premise of the novel. I was a bit frustrated in the first few chapters because they gave very little information about how this body transfer might have happened. But, then I saw that it gave me sympathy for man-child Martin’s frustration, so it was okay.
The book is broken into many short chapters. There are many references to things musical, and British expressions are used often, but none of this was indecipherable to a non-musical American (as I am). Overall, I enjoyed Harmony Lost quite a bit. I am only taking off points because I spent quite a lot of time trying to figure out who (mostly the narrator?) was using racial epithets. It may have been put in to lend the text an authentic 60s flavor, but it subtracted from my enjoyment of the novel. I’m not a fan of contractions like “It’d” and “What’d” in non-dialog text either. Last criticism: I’m an old guy, so I struggle with novels that only give you 50% resolution at the end (which Hamony Lost did) just so the author can write a sequel if the first book takes off. Maybe that’s just me. Fun story, though.
Not only is Pam guilty about what has happened, she has someone in the body with her! She shares it with a spiteful, violent personality who is nearly beyond control. Pam names the other “Vi”, and attempts to make amends for the former occupant (wherever she went) and convince her skeptical husband that she is not just playing another mean prank on him.
Pam (who is a very nice person) attempts to navigate this strange terrain and help Martin achieve his dream of making it big as a musician. The character development is great. Pam is a very engaging character. Stella Jorette really gives you a feel for how crowded it must feel in the back of a shitty touring van headed to a questionable gig with a bunch of people you only like a little.
The author may have created one too many characters for Pam’s body, but I liked the premise of the novel. I was a bit frustrated in the first few chapters because they gave very little information about how this body transfer might have happened. But, then I saw that it gave me sympathy for man-child Martin’s frustration, so it was okay.
The book is broken into many short chapters. There are many references to things musical, and British expressions are used often, but none of this was indecipherable to a non-musical American (as I am). Overall, I enjoyed Harmony Lost quite a bit. I am only taking off points because I spent quite a lot of time trying to figure out who (mostly the narrator?) was using racial epithets. It may have been put in to lend the text an authentic 60s flavor, but it subtracted from my enjoyment of the novel. I’m not a fan of contractions like “It’d” and “What’d” in non-dialog text either. Last criticism: I’m an old guy, so I struggle with novels that only give you 50% resolution at the end (which Hamony Lost did) just so the author can write a sequel if the first book takes off. Maybe that’s just me. Fun story, though.
July 21, 2020
Uniquely Wonderful
"Harmony Lost" is the debut work from Australian novelist Stella Jorette. It's truly something different, uniquely wonderful in its atypical, genre-busting theme. It left me with mixed feelings; on one hand I was truly impressed by the accomplishment, and on the other hand, there were aspects of the book that I didn't care for.
This is a very strong debut work. A young lady in the UK has completely lost her mental faculties. She feels like an alien from a distant galaxy as even the most mundane elements of life, like kitchen appliances and cigarettes are apparently foreign and scarcely comprehensible. What's more, the dark voice in her head, "Vi", seems to harbor violent, sociopath tendencies. Finally, her husband, along with his associates, are convinced this is all a cynical, manipulative act.
I loved how the reader has to work through the first few chapters to truly comprehend what is happening. I enjoyed the gradual character development, and Ms. Jorette handled it masterfully. The notion of amnesia, mental illness, or some form of TBI is presented superbly without ever seeming silly or excessive. The book frequently sparkles with wit and captivating prose. Above all, I loved the juicy little titles for the chapters. "At Least Human and Female." "They're Complex, Women." "The Elastic Band of Her Knickers."
Although I think this book merits five stars, it's not without its issues. The chapters are remarkably short, perhaps the shortest chapters I've ever seen in a novel. Since everything revolves around the protagonist, Pam, the short chapters aren't too much of a detriment, but some readers may disagree. Another issue is finding a genre home for this tale. It seems to barely scratch the surface of sci-fi, and I'm not sure I'd agree with the decision to market it as LGBT fiction. Like a lot of other terrific books, it's definitely not an easy book to pigeonhole.
The final issue with the book is those four dreaded words: Not a lot happens. Pam is trying to reconnect with her aspiring rock star husband, and reconnect with reality. And well...that's pretty much it. She aggressively and humorously learns all she can about music and the music business, as if she was studying an ancient language, and charges headlong into the seedy world of show business.
Even though not a lot happens, however, this book works. Stella Jorette has really showcased her talent, and readers seeking something far removed from the same old thing need to grab this book. Five stars!
"Harmony Lost" is the debut work from Australian novelist Stella Jorette. It's truly something different, uniquely wonderful in its atypical, genre-busting theme. It left me with mixed feelings; on one hand I was truly impressed by the accomplishment, and on the other hand, there were aspects of the book that I didn't care for.
This is a very strong debut work. A young lady in the UK has completely lost her mental faculties. She feels like an alien from a distant galaxy as even the most mundane elements of life, like kitchen appliances and cigarettes are apparently foreign and scarcely comprehensible. What's more, the dark voice in her head, "Vi", seems to harbor violent, sociopath tendencies. Finally, her husband, along with his associates, are convinced this is all a cynical, manipulative act.
I loved how the reader has to work through the first few chapters to truly comprehend what is happening. I enjoyed the gradual character development, and Ms. Jorette handled it masterfully. The notion of amnesia, mental illness, or some form of TBI is presented superbly without ever seeming silly or excessive. The book frequently sparkles with wit and captivating prose. Above all, I loved the juicy little titles for the chapters. "At Least Human and Female." "They're Complex, Women." "The Elastic Band of Her Knickers."
Although I think this book merits five stars, it's not without its issues. The chapters are remarkably short, perhaps the shortest chapters I've ever seen in a novel. Since everything revolves around the protagonist, Pam, the short chapters aren't too much of a detriment, but some readers may disagree. Another issue is finding a genre home for this tale. It seems to barely scratch the surface of sci-fi, and I'm not sure I'd agree with the decision to market it as LGBT fiction. Like a lot of other terrific books, it's definitely not an easy book to pigeonhole.
The final issue with the book is those four dreaded words: Not a lot happens. Pam is trying to reconnect with her aspiring rock star husband, and reconnect with reality. And well...that's pretty much it. She aggressively and humorously learns all she can about music and the music business, as if she was studying an ancient language, and charges headlong into the seedy world of show business.
Even though not a lot happens, however, this book works. Stella Jorette has really showcased her talent, and readers seeking something far removed from the same old thing need to grab this book. Five stars!
July 21, 2020
Harmony Lost has a great concept at its core of a person’s personality suddenly being replaced by another one, although not entirely. This situation is confusing both for the character herself, Pam, but also for those around her and in particular her aspiring rockstar boyfriend, Martin. The story builds tension and intrigue and is well written, holding the mystery to the end.
The story is a slow builder, but stick with it as it builds and the action livens up as the aspiring rock band is steered by the newly competent Pam despite facing multiple obstacles, dangers and mysterious characters. Indeed, the vibrant characters, who are very well set in the applicable time period really carry the book.
One thing that did puzzle me was why a personality from another dimension would choose to help an aspiring rockstar, particularly one who is not hugely likeable. But I guess that was not a matter of choice, although I’d have liked a little more substance to the aims of the various personality bumping beings.
I’m not sure things were entirely wrapped up at the end, so can see there being a sequel. The mystery continues...
The story is a slow builder, but stick with it as it builds and the action livens up as the aspiring rock band is steered by the newly competent Pam despite facing multiple obstacles, dangers and mysterious characters. Indeed, the vibrant characters, who are very well set in the applicable time period really carry the book.
One thing that did puzzle me was why a personality from another dimension would choose to help an aspiring rockstar, particularly one who is not hugely likeable. But I guess that was not a matter of choice, although I’d have liked a little more substance to the aims of the various personality bumping beings.
I’m not sure things were entirely wrapped up at the end, so can see there being a sequel. The mystery continues...
June 18, 2020
Rock n’ roll back in time! At it’s heart, Harmony Lost Is a mystery, and it drew me in until the very end. Pam wakes with no memory in a world she does not intricately understand. We are soon brought into the world of the early 70s rock scene and follow As a fan of music I very much enjoyed being immersed in the era and seeing it from the view point of musicians trying to succeed. The way the book is written also gives a glimpse of how society has changed through time. There is a beautiful emphasis on the styles of the time, which were often outrageous. You could feel the contrast of elegance and grit of the time. The characters have depth and a vividness to them. The book is also filled with some well balanced humor that I found very amusing. The author weaves into it all some romanticism in both between the characters and also in their view of the world and music.
But again, what really hooked me was the mystery. Why was she there? What happened to her? What is her purpose?
I highly recommend this beautifully written book.
But again, what really hooked me was the mystery. Why was she there? What happened to her? What is her purpose?
I highly recommend this beautifully written book.
June 24, 2024
Pam has been in an accident of some kind and now has amnesia. But as time passes, she feels that she has some sort of mission, and that there's something else going on. But what?
I really enjoyed the early chapters, with their fantastic descriptions of common items that Pam did not have the words for. Her disorientation came across well.
Then the story became more involved in her husband's musical aspirations and the band's adventures and misadventures and less concerned with Pam’s questions and situation. The story turned into an entertaining visit to another era. Pam's mystery still lingered but took a back seat to all the slice-of-life parts about that time and that particular culture of the time.
The book has something of the flavor of the kind of magical realism of "what happens when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something too strange to believe", as that genre has been described. And there’s some splendid imagery, such as "older men sprouting from their seats like brown mushrooms" and "allowing the passing scenery to wallpaper his retina".
Overall, the story is an engaging and quirky visit to the music scene of the late 1960s, with just a touch of mystery and magic/sci-fi. An entertaining read.
I really enjoyed the early chapters, with their fantastic descriptions of common items that Pam did not have the words for. Her disorientation came across well.
Then the story became more involved in her husband's musical aspirations and the band's adventures and misadventures and less concerned with Pam’s questions and situation. The story turned into an entertaining visit to another era. Pam's mystery still lingered but took a back seat to all the slice-of-life parts about that time and that particular culture of the time.
The book has something of the flavor of the kind of magical realism of "what happens when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something too strange to believe", as that genre has been described. And there’s some splendid imagery, such as "older men sprouting from their seats like brown mushrooms" and "allowing the passing scenery to wallpaper his retina".
Overall, the story is an engaging and quirky visit to the music scene of the late 1960s, with just a touch of mystery and magic/sci-fi. An entertaining read.
February 22, 2021
Stella Jorette gives us a strange and entertaining mash up of a psychological thriller and a fun 1969 music exploration in Harmony Lost! After an accident, Pam is left with a mysterious voice talking in her head. Now she must manage her husband’s band, all while keeping the voice’s urges in check. It’s an odd set up, but Jorette tells this compelling story so well, with equal parts fun, humor, and suspenseful mystery! Jorette’s descriptive writing is also gorgeous, really bringing the music side to life. If you love the late 60s early 70s music scene, or are thirsting for something out of The Twilight Zone, definitely grab a mic and hit the club with Harmony Lost!
December 1, 2020
A really fun read
I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for Pam, Martin and the band. Not to mention where Pam actually came from.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for Pam, Martin and the band. Not to mention where Pam actually came from.
November 18, 2020
Ms Jorette captures forces at work in a budding, on-the-cusp rock ‘n roll band like a person who has been there, done that. Pam, the story’s central character, incorporates the yin and yang of that “band dynamic.” Incorporates because she is, within one “corpus” a cool, methodical, compassionate and socially adept soul, who finds herself uneasily cohabiting with a raging, explosive, sometimes destructive personality. Ego versus id. Great fun!
And all the while, the read tempts you deep into the evening when you know you need your sleep – but you turn a few more pages anyway. All of the ”ego versus id” stuff lies where it belongs, just below the surface of the interactions and conversations amongst the cast of engaging, accessible characters.
If you’re looking for storytelling with delightful pacing and action, “Harmony Lost” fills the bill. If, the next day, you enjoy going, “Whoa, that was deep,” Bingo! “Harmony Lost” again.
And all the while, the read tempts you deep into the evening when you know you need your sleep – but you turn a few more pages anyway. All of the ”ego versus id” stuff lies where it belongs, just below the surface of the interactions and conversations amongst the cast of engaging, accessible characters.
If you’re looking for storytelling with delightful pacing and action, “Harmony Lost” fills the bill. If, the next day, you enjoy going, “Whoa, that was deep,” Bingo! “Harmony Lost” again.
September 1, 2021
I can’t quite remember where I came across this book, whether in a promo or in one of those Amazon ‘if you liked that, you might like this’ things while I was looking for a book to read. Anyway, I think it was the cover that caught my attention with its Almost Famous echo, so I read the blurb. And it intrigued me, since having grown up in the ‘70’s I super enjoyed the music and the fashions (which were subsequently replaced by the very ugly ‘80s – but I digress) and I loved Almost Famous, Spinal Tap and Still Crazy, the best films to date about the idyllic time of my youth. This book promised the flavour of those films, and I was not disappointed.
There certainly were echoes of all three of those films, but with a twist, adding a sci-fi time travel element I was not expecting, and which became the central premise of story, looking back at the 1970s era through the lens of a more advanced societal and technological perspective. This lens provided most of the humour of the book, but was a little patchy in places. Nevertheless I enjoyed the story very much--the clash of perspectives of the characters was funny and satiric, but mostly gentle, only sometimes descending into caricature, and sometimes filled with savvy insight into the human ego.
I am interested to see where the story goes next. I likely will purchase the next book in the series. I recommend this to people who like an amusing read. It’s got a whiff of Jasper Fforde about it, and even a hint of Marian Keyes. Good fun.
There certainly were echoes of all three of those films, but with a twist, adding a sci-fi time travel element I was not expecting, and which became the central premise of story, looking back at the 1970s era through the lens of a more advanced societal and technological perspective. This lens provided most of the humour of the book, but was a little patchy in places. Nevertheless I enjoyed the story very much--the clash of perspectives of the characters was funny and satiric, but mostly gentle, only sometimes descending into caricature, and sometimes filled with savvy insight into the human ego.
I am interested to see where the story goes next. I likely will purchase the next book in the series. I recommend this to people who like an amusing read. It’s got a whiff of Jasper Fforde about it, and even a hint of Marian Keyes. Good fun.
March 12, 2025
I happened to read a comment by the author on a post in a writers forum, where she said she found sex scenes in stories boring, or words to that effect. Having just read several books where I felt the urge to skim the extended sex scenes to get to the plot, I thought I should check this author out.
I chose her Songs out of Time series, since it has music as well as (presumably) science fiction elements in the form of time travel.
The story is set in the late sixties, where Pam, wife of rock musician Martin Davis, has amnesia from an accident. It turns out there is more to it, that perhaps she isn't really the original Pam at all.
We're introduced to a range of unique characters associated with or in the band. Martin, the lead singer and songwriter, seems to have the worst case of inattentive ADHD I've seen (though it isn't called that here, being the late sixties).
The book is generally well-written, though had about a dozen grammaticals/word substitution slip-ups all up. While the author is Australian (I believe), the text appears to be optimised for American audiences (cheque -> check, footpath -> sidewalk).
With well-drawn but mostly annoying characters, a unique concept, and enough of a suspense hook to keep you reading, I give it the thumbs up. Currently reading book 2, but discovered that there is a book 1.5 short story that keeps getting referenced (in a non-essential way), so I'll read that next.
I chose her Songs out of Time series, since it has music as well as (presumably) science fiction elements in the form of time travel.
The story is set in the late sixties, where Pam, wife of rock musician Martin Davis, has amnesia from an accident. It turns out there is more to it, that perhaps she isn't really the original Pam at all.
We're introduced to a range of unique characters associated with or in the band. Martin, the lead singer and songwriter, seems to have the worst case of inattentive ADHD I've seen (though it isn't called that here, being the late sixties).
The book is generally well-written, though had about a dozen grammaticals/word substitution slip-ups all up. While the author is Australian (I believe), the text appears to be optimised for American audiences (cheque -> check, footpath -> sidewalk).
With well-drawn but mostly annoying characters, a unique concept, and enough of a suspense hook to keep you reading, I give it the thumbs up. Currently reading book 2, but discovered that there is a book 1.5 short story that keeps getting referenced (in a non-essential way), so I'll read that next.
July 1, 2022
Different in a good way.
Fun and bizarre. So far from the typical sci-fi. Oddly captivating. The team assembles and hints at possibilities but all is not revealed. A definite “more!” rating from me! Nice ending for book one. Just enough cliffhanger.
Fun and bizarre. So far from the typical sci-fi. Oddly captivating. The team assembles and hints at possibilities but all is not revealed. A definite “more!” rating from me! Nice ending for book one. Just enough cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews