Another “Honorverse” tome. I had to take three runs at this one and it’s only the hope that the following volumes in the series will be worth reading that made me slog through it. Are science fiction writers still paid by the word?
“Non-fiction”? See the updated entry for “Bringing Down the House”.
“Chronicles” isn’t complete enough to be called Bob Dylan’s autobiography. It’s more of non-chronological memoir, starting in the New York City folk scene of the early 60’s, jumping to Woodstock, NY, following Dylan’s most popular period, wandering down to New Orleans in the 80’s and the making of an album, and winding up back at the top of Highway 61 in the Minnesota of his childhood. That bare description makes it sound random, but, like his songs, it’s allusive. If he sometimes seems to be reaching, much of the writing is vivid and it all has a strong personal voice.
The book serves as a catalog of and homage to the people that influenced his art. Of course you expect to find mention of Woody Guthrie, but it’s surprising to read the a nod from wrestler Gorgeous George to the teenage Dylan playing in a Minnesota armory helped build his confidence as a performer. And I wouldn’t have expected to hear Dylan mention Frank Sinatra’s “Ebb Tide” as one of his favorite songs. He even says that “the next Dylan” will probably be a rapper. Dylan - young and old - is a cultural sponge, a mulligan stew of influences.
If you’re looking for revelations about Dylan’s personal life you won’t find it here. If you’re more interested in Dylan the artist, and, especially, the sources and processes of his art, you’ll want to read this book.
