Eleanor Quinn was America’s sweetheart.
The lead singer in a wildly successful band and dating the most beautiful man in America, she lives a life most could only dream of. Then on the night of her engagement, she vanishes, leaving the world to wonder where and why she has gone. Eleanor sets out on a journey to regain agency in her life, to be something other than “Eleanor Quinn”. She moves to Seattle determined to find herself again. Riddled with self-doubt, she realizes the only way she can ever be free is to share her side of the story. Although starting over is not as simple as she imagined as the ghosts from her past force their way to her.
Cynthia Starts a Band tells the story of starting over and discovering who one is when the world isn’t looking.
My Thoughts
Fantastic debut from Olivia Swindler! I would have loved to read this when I was around 18 years old. I spent so much of my life letting others tell me what to do, who to be, etc. I connected to that restless spirit that just needed to be explored. I did occasionally have to go back and re-read a few parts as it shifted from 1st to 3rd person, but it wasn't overly difficult. I wanted more from the characters (I always fall for a book that has deeply developed characters), but again, the theme of the book holds strong despite this slight miss. I connected with the undeveloped sense of purpose and emotions because of growing up in a "do this, do that" type of control during my childhood/teen years. You feel stunted in a way...unable to switch into adult reactions to specific situations. Overall, I give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars!
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About the Author
Olivia Swindler was raised in Spokane, Washington but resides currently in Grenoble, France, where she eats approximately a baguette a day. She serves as the Communication Coordinator for Young Life in Europe. Cynthia Starts a Band is her first book.
Q&A with Olivia
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write?
I remember attending a reading fair for elementary school students when I was 6 or 7 with my parents and one of the speakers talked about how he got his book published. It was the first time I realized that people got to write as a job, and ever since then, I have dreamed of being a writer.
What do you think makes a good story?
I love a story that helps me to see something from multiple viewpoints. I think good characters help bring a good story to life.
What inspired your story?
I was inspired by a few things. Firstly, I had always dreamed of being a professional musician. Unfortunately, I am the least musical person I know, so getting to write and research for Eleanor’s life helped me live out my dream through her.
I was also in a toxic relationship in my early 20’s and I remember how isolating that felt. I remember not having words to explain to people what had happened and why I had dated the guy, etc. Through this story, I hoped to give words to that experience and help create more conversations about unhealthy relationships. I wanted to write a story that was hopeful. I wanted the story to be about Eleanor’s healing and growth. I was so inspired by the women who came around me and helped me to find the courage to use my voice. Those women are also an inspiration for me.
Is there a message/theme in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
One of the important themes in the book is women supporting women. I also wanted to write a story that reflects hope for people starting over. I think everyone has the power to be courageous and find their voice, and that is a major theme for Eleanor and the novel.
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