Edited by author 09-26-2003 08:27 AM
Daniel Nester's God Save My Queen

Reviewed by Moe Berg, Peter Darbyshire and George Murray

Read the original review here



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Remember that scene in the film version of Amadeus, wherein Mozart is making his case to write an opera based on the play The Marriage of Figaro? Salieri, Emperor Joseph, Opera Director Count Franz Orsini-Roseberg, and Kapellmeister Bonno told him that the subject matter of the libretto was too lowbrow, too vulgar. (Was it Classical music’s equivalent to making a film out of a sitcom?) They wanted their operas to be about gods and heroes, about kings and noble characters, about high-minded themes, and subsequently they banned Mozart from working on his opera. Nevertheless, Mozart went on to write a wonderful, comic opera.
Likewise, I’ve heard arguments against using popular culture as subject matter in poetry, though I’ve almost never agreed with such arguments. I like these samples from Daniel Nester’s God Save My Queen, and I’m eager to read the rest of the book. It’s clear from reading what George, Moe, and Peter have to say that Nester’s book is capable of provoking thoughts…thoughts about what the culture we are raised in means to us on a deeper level of personal identity, or the feeling of belonging to something larger than oneself. Does anyone know whether Nester’s book is widely available in Canada?

"I wonder how differently we would have read, and in turn reviewed, this book if we were women. I think this coming of age is certainly a boy's coming of age, and an unusually articulate one at that. But it definitely belongs to men."

Well, I read the excerpt, and all I can say is G, you go guy! Claim that coming of age for boys! Make that book a Men's room! Meanwhile, since the samples struck a chord, I must reflect upon my childhood... perhaps what I saw in the mirror was not a girl listening to Queen. Damn me for repressing the boy within! God Save the Queened girls out there.

So, what would a woman's version be about? Hmm, what would be girly? Maybe Heart, ya Heart... Sink My Dreamboat, Annie.

Naw! I'm not claiming the book for men! That's unfair. I'm just saying there are things that happen within the book that are so raw and open about being an adolescent male, and that this book works as an exposing force, saying things about being that age that I think so few other works have dared approach. The homoerotic nature of a rock and roll fascination coupled with the inherent homoerotisism of adolescence. Half of Nester's book is like a code sent out to other guys. I'm not saying women can't access it or relate to it or understand it, but that it is definitely being broadcast to a male audience! I think I even said that in the review, didn't I? I think women reviewing this book would have gone with the review in a totally different direction, but our review talked alot about being a boy in the 80's and I was just commenting on that.

BTW, you can have Heart if you want. All but 'Barracuda.' I will take that song to the grave with me. Duh digga duh digga duh digga duh digga duh, wah-wowww-w-w-w-w! Ooooo! Barracuda!

Edited by author 09-26-2003 08:37 PM
Twas unfair, butt (oops) but fun. Seriously though, I think you should test your theory - get a trio of women to read and review the book and then respond to your review.

and after that amazing performance, you certainly deserve to take Barracuda to your grave. Wow!