Darkening Song by Delphine Seddon
“I don’t just want a record deal. I want to be an icon.’ And I heard myself say, ‘I can make that happen.’”
Released shortly after International Women’s Day, Darkening Song by Delphine Seddon is a power punch to the music fiction genre. It explores feminism, friendship, power dynamics, consent and misogyny. And, of course, excellent music.
Darkening Song brings together 18-year-old Eva, an intern at a music label, and 16-year-old, Alora, a musician. In a roundabout way, Eva “discovers” Alora online and works desperately to bring her to the label. Eventually, she positions herself as Alora’s manager. What follows is a story told from the perspective of both of the girls — Eva tells the story of Alora’s rise to fame, and Alora tells the story of her descent into despair and depression and how the music industry fails her.
Two Voices, One Dangerous Spotlight
This book is not just about Alora, though. It is about Alora and Eva’s relationship. It is about Alora’s relationship with her mother, Alora’s relationship with her father, Alora’s relationship with Vanessa, Eva’s relationship with Ade and about Alora and Eva’s relationships with themselves. It is a coming-of-age novel about how both girls are forced to grow up in the spotlight and do it under a microscope. It is also a love story and about how our personal narratives can change when we least expect it.
There was so much to like about this book. Deeply feminist, this book explores young female relationships. It also gives the reader a view of the underbelly of the music industry — the good, the bad, the ugly and the really, really atrocious.
Misogyny and the Cost of Fame
One of my very favorite parts of the book? The lyrics to Alora’s songs at the very end. I loved that I was able to read the entirety of the songs after reading snippets of them throughout the book.
The audio version of Darkening Song includes the songs being sung by the narrators; one reviewer states, “This is one of those books you have to read via audiobook. The singing parts are a whole experience.” Apparently the audio version is being added to my Libro.fm wishlist.
Darkening Song is Seddon’s debut novel, but this is not her first foray into the literary sphere. She has published poetry for Fragmented Voices and Muse Pie Press. She is a graduate of Faber & Faber’s Writing Academy and studied poetry at Goldsmiths University. Originally from England, she now lives in West Wales.
Darkening Song is a haunting exploration of the misogyny young women often encounter in the music industry. At its heart, though, it is a story about feminism, the power of female bonds and the resilience it takes for women to claim their place at the top.
About Delphine Seddon:
Delphine Seddon writes female-driven contemporary fiction. Originally from Staffordshire, England, she now lives by the sea in rural West Wales. For the past twenty years she has worked in the music industry. Darkening Song is her debut novel.
