A Song for a New Day

by Sarah Pinsker
A Song for a New Day cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1188
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9781800243866
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2020-08-20
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

A Song for a New Day explores a chillingly plausible near-future United States where societal collapse has led to severe restrictions on public gatherings and personal freedoms. Luce, a rising musician, sees her dreams of success threatened by a series of crises that shut down the country. Meanwhile, Rosemary, a young woman who has only known a virtual world, embarks on a journey into the real world, seeking something she never knew existed. The novel delves into themes of artistic expression, the power of music, and the human need for connection in a world that has become increasingly isolated. As Luce and Rosemary's paths intersect, they challenge each other's perspectives and discover the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Reviews
The Eyrie · 2022-03-26
compelling 3.80

The novel effectively captures the feeling of live music for both performers and listeners. It is praised for its authentic representation and character development.

The reviewer at The Eyrie appreciates how 'A Song for a New Day' manages to convey the emotional and sensory experience of live music, even in a dystopian setting. The novel's ability to make the reader feel the energy and connection of a live performance is noted as a significant achievement. The reviewer also praises the authentic representation of characters from diverse backgrounds, including queer and Jewish perspectives, which adds richness to the story. The character development is highlighted as a strong point, with the dual narratives providing a well-rounded exploration of the themes. Overall, the novel is seen as a compelling and emotionally resonant read.

Quick quotes

    Partly succeeded in capturing the feeling of live music

    Authentic representation of characters from diverse backgrounds

    Strong character development with dual narratives

Masters Review · 2020-07-16
timely 4.00

The novel is praised for its timeliness and exploration of music's role in a dystopian society. The dual perspectives of the characters add depth to the narrative.

This review highlights how 'A Song for a New Day' feels eerily relevant, especially in light of recent global events that have restricted public gatherings. The reviewer appreciates the way Pinsker weaves together the stories of two women connected by their love for music, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking. The exploration of music's power to bring people together in a world where it's forbidden is particularly compelling. The reviewer also notes the authenticity in the portrayal of the characters' struggles and triumphs, making the story resonate on a personal level. Overall, the novel is seen as a powerful commentary on the importance of art and freedom in society.

Quick quotes

    An unsettlingly timely novel

    The dual perspectives add depth to the narrative

    The exploration of music's power to bring people together is compelling

Pitchfork · 2020-07-01
prescient 4.20

The book is noted for its prescient portrayal of a world without live music and its impact on culture. It offers a vision of radicalism and resilience in the face of oppression.

Pitchfork's review points out how 'A Song for a New Day' seems to predict the current state of the world, where live music and public gatherings are restricted. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of how people adapt and find ways to express themselves through music in such a restrictive environment to be both insightful and inspiring. The story's focus on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to challenge oppression is highlighted as particularly moving. The reviewer also appreciates the way Pinsker captures the essence of live music and its importance to culture, making the novel a poignant read in today's context.

Quick quotes

    Eerily predicted our dystopian concert-less world

    Offers a vision of radicalism and resilience

    Captures the essence of live music and its importance

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