The Ballad of Perilous Graves is deeply mimetic to jazz in rhythm and structure with syncopated narrative beats, richly textured solos, heartfelt harmonies between characters, complex call-and-response between community and culture, and fantastical, imaginative improvisations.

Yes, there are so many allusions (and direct references) to NOLA myths, legends, folklore, history, and music that can feel dizzying and overwhelming (just like exploring NOLA), but this recontextual signifying is so emblematic of jazz and Black Vernacular Tradition. The genius of Jenning's signifying enhances the rootedness of place and culture, enriches the vibrant flavours of the novel, and provides complex layers to commentary about core themes (including community, liminal identity, coming into power, self-expression and creativity, self-doubt and acceptance, responsibility, disillusionment of growing up too fast, resilience). Do you absolutely have to get all the references to get something out of/enjoy this book? Absolutely not. You absolutely can lie back and let the story wash over and into you (kinda like jazz!).

Idk, could write more and might add more later.

Basically, if synesthesia, jazz, and an acid trip had a love child with New Orleans. Book is evocative as hell. Mess Around, find out, and enjoy the ride. 🤩

The Ballad of Perilous Graves is deeply mimetic to jazz in rhythm and structure with syncopated narrative beats, richly textured solos, heartfelt harmonies between characters, complex call-and-response between community and culture, and fantastical, imaginative improvisations.

Yes, there are so many allusions (and direct references) to NOLA myths, legends, folklore, history, and music that can feel dizzying and overwhelming (just like exploring NOLA), but this recontextual signifying is so emblematic of jazz and Black Vernacular Tradition. The genius of Jenning's signifying enhances the rootedness of place and culture, enriches the vibrant flavours of the novel, and provides complex layers to commentary about core themes (including community, liminal identity, coming into power, self-expression and creativity, self-doubt and acceptance, responsibility, disillusionment of growing up too fast, resilience). Do you absolutely have to get all the references to get something out of/enjoy this book? Absolutely not. You absolutely can lie back and let the story wash over and into you (kinda like jazz!).

Idk, could write more and might add more later.

Basically, if synesthesia, jazz, and an acid trip had a love child with New Orleans. Book is evocative as hell. Mess Around, find out, and enjoy the ride. 🤩