The Time of Our Singing
Richard Powers “The Time of Our Singing” is an exploration of music through the eyes of a multiracial family. A German Jewish refugee physicist meets a black Philadelphia doctor’s daughter at the Lincoln Memorial rally in 1939. This rally was made famous by the singing of Marian Anderson. The couple’s connection is music, he with his classical European background, and she with her gospel singing. They have three children and all inherit their parents love of music. This novel follows the lives of each. The language is rich, poetic, and jazzy. Powers is sometimes tough going but this is his most beautifully written work to date.