Structurally, this is a very clever book, and gives space for interesting exploration. It takes the form of an interviewer's transcripts, as she speaks to members of the fictional seventies band The Six, and the singer-song writer who joins them for one album and tour, Daisy Jones. This band was heralded as a major event in rock history, as we're getting the inside scoop on the band's formation, Daisy Jones' history, and what led to the collaboration, and ultimate demise of the band. A rock documentary, interviews with bandmates and significant others, told in chronological order is an inventive device on several levels. We get each character's take and reflections on their part (and finger pointing), years after the events. This novel examines the rock scene of the seventies, the role of women, drugs, sex, record companies, managers; but also the necessary ingredients for creativity, synergy, the mysterious alchemy that takes place when creating and performing, making something bigger than the individuals.

Those who remember the music of the seventies will quickly think of one band, one singer: is this inspired by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks? Reid, in her Rolling Stone interview, says no, it was more of a fascination with the VH1 television series Behind the Music, and especially the rock documentary History of the Eagles. In the interview, they also discussed the Yoko Effect, which Reid rejects, asserting that it is more interesting to explore how creativity, strength of opinion, and sexuality intersect when a strong woman is in the mix (my paraphrase--check out the interview.) As in any project, men will respond differently to a strong woman, some feeling she's a bitch, some are turned on sexually, others will embrace the ideas she brings as with any other person, or some blend of these responses.

The book is a good examination of the negotiations women made to succeed in male-dominated rock culture, and be true to their creative ambition. Daisy's conflicts and choices are seen in light of her friend Simone, as well as Six keyboardist Karen. Each has to make choices and compromises to get where they want to be creatively, navigating the sexual business that is rock, while dealing with the personal consequences of those compromises. In addition to the sexual politics is the drug-saturated atmosphere of the seventies rock arena, using drugs as a crutch to deal with the stressful demands of creating a successful hit-filled album, putting together a show that will draw huge crowds, being faithful to personal creative impulses, and trying to keep a band of individuals together and performing at the top of their game for a year or two. It is a miracle that bands can create and perform together for many years, given all the stressors.

Personal relationships, or anything resembling a private life, would appear to be nearly impossible. Billy Dunn, charismatic lead singer, song writer, and autocratic leader of The Six, marries his sweetheart Camila, and has two daughters. He attempts to have a fulfilling relationship with Camila, and a normal family life, which proves incredibly difficult in the face of his rock ambitions. For the characters in this book, you cannot have it all--normal relationships and living the rock dream are incompatible.

Daisy Jones, Billy Dunne, Graham Dunne, bandmates Karen, Warren, Eddie, and Pete-- all reflect different aspects of the endeavor to succeed in rock, and the magic and nightmare that is rock creativity, performance, and lifestyle. I highly recommend this terrific novel, my best read this summer.