So, you should read Grunge Gods before reading this one, just because I think it'd be easier to appreciate the story. But it is almost exclusively its own story, and a really amazing one at that. When it starts, it's right back in the mid 1990s, when GG&G was set, and Lana, otherwise known as The Lady in Blue, is having a conversation with her great-niece Liz. Even though Liz is actually older than her by now, but that's irrelevant. Liz is trying to solve the mystery of Lana's untimely and unsolved death, and since she can speak to the dead, she goes right to the source!
One of the hardest parts to the beginning of the story is that we know that it does end with Lana's death, so it is bound to be sad. Lana takes Liz through her last months of life in the mid 1950s, which is really eye opening. I don't think I have read about a book set in the '50s before, but I do have a grandmother that was exactly Lana's age (creepily down to the year!) and so much of what was in the book mirrored stories she's told me, so it was fascinating to see the events of Lana's time play out. I'll say it outright: I do not like the 1950s. Do. Not. Like. I suppose if you were a white, middle class man, the 1950s were fabulous but... not for literally anyone else. It's so hard to read about a beloved character being mistreated based on some ridiculous societal discriminations, but it was also incredibly riveting.
Lana was a very easy character to like: She was strong in a time when women were told not to be strong, and she was still flawed, but cared so much about those around her and her own dreams at the same time. She was being pulled one way by her own goals, and a completely opposite way by familial pressures, and that is a very hard thing to deal with, especially in a time period during which society at large was siding with her family's point of view. She has this boyfriend who... well, I don't want to say much, except that as easy as Lana is to like, he is that easy to dislike, but I even still had moments of sympathy for him as well. I had all kinds of mixed feelings about Lana's family and friends, which I won't go into in great detail so I don't spoil anything, but they were a big part of the story and very well thought out.
Since it is a novella, the book is very fast paced, and I read it almost all in one sitting, because I simply couldn't put it down. I was so curious as to how the mystery would play out, and I was not disappointed! I think it was very well done, and I didn't see the ending coming at all. And even in such a short book, the characters were extremely fleshed out and the world vividly portrayed.
A few more things I liked, perhaps? Sure!
- The musical references, as always! Each chapter begins with a song title from the era that fits with the chapter, and it is so fabulous. Some of the songs I knew, some I was a little unfamiliar with, and the last chapter's song? It is everything. Especially if you grew up in the '90s ;)
- Scranton is mentioned! I get giddily excited when my little corner of nothingness gets a shout out in a book (or anywhere else!) so that automatically goes in the plus column!
- It answers a few really interesting questions from GG&G, and I loved how it pulled both books together so well!
- Did you see the cover? I love the cover. Like, I want it as a poster.
Bottom Line: This book... I just... can I just flail now and end this? Great. I loved it, it is worth every minute of reading, and it is the kind of story you will never forget.
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight