Review of the novel Coming Through Slaughter by Michael Ondaatje

Undeniably lyrical and experimental, Coming Through Slaughter gives life to the imagined narrative of one of jazz music's founding fathers. Buddy Bolden, his name whispered and renowned by all the greats who came after, breathed the essence of himself through his trumpet and out into the sprawling, colorful city of New Orleans. There his presence was legendary. But his performances were never recorded and his true story, one of genius, spirit, and unknowable madness, was never fully told. Here Ondaatje weaves and bobs through the tales and rumors, the scenes and snippets, the leaps and halts of a phantom's history with sincere verve and craft. Buddy may have been experienced by so many in that city at that time in the lifespan of music, but his true rhythm was undiscoverable to all, including himself.