The Fiddler Is a Good Woman

by Geoff Berner

[annieb123]

Set up as collected series of interviews, snippets, letters, and recollections, this book is an oddly put together memoir and mystery.

The titular fiddler DD is at the center of a constantly shifting cast of varied characters who want to mother her, protect her, exploit her and/or sleep with her. All of them want something from her. In the end, she disappears off the face of the earth and the author tries to find her later, hence the interviews and stories.

It's an interesting twist to a memoir. It left me feeling quite sad about the level of exploitation and debauchery the author attributes to the traveling musicians on the folk/country circuit. I don't doubt some of the stories and incidents in the book have some vague factual basis, he certainly writes very convincingly. I've read a number of reviews (after reading the book) from folks who were horrified about the things related in the book. If graphic descriptions of drug use or sex or generally disreputable and irresponsible behavior upset you, it's not the book for you.

I found it sad, but very well written and worth reading. It did make me laugh out loud several times, kudos for that.

Four stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.