Cynthia Starts a Band is the debut contemporary novel by Olivia Swindler. Initially released in July 2021 for Kindle, and will be released October 19, 2021, in paperback by Morgan James Fiction. Cynthia is the name pop star Eleanor Quin takes when she decides to start over. But why does she need to start over? What is she trying to get away from?
I received a copy of Cynthia Starts a Band from NetGalley and Morgan James Fiction in exchange for my honest review. All opinions presented here are all mine.
CW/TW: abusive relationship (emotional, mental, physical), mental health issues
Synopis from Goodreads
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, 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.
Positives
The topic this book covers is an important one: escaping an abusive relationship. Especially when Eleanor didn’t realize she was in one; she just knew she wasn’t happy. Her abuser played the no one will believe you card time and again. And she started to believe it. But she did manage to get out, and in the end, find people who did believe her story.
This book is a short read, as it is under 300 pages.
Negatives
There are two timelines in the story, and they switch with the chapters. The negative is the fact the POV changes with the timelines. With the present timeline, the story is told in the first person, from Cynthia’s point of view. With the past timeline, the story is told in the third person, from everyone’s point of view. I found this a bit jarring and would have preferred it to all be one or the other.
My Opinions
Did I enjoy reading Cynthia Starts a Band? Yes, I did. Did I love it? No, I didn’t. I wish I could say that I did love it, but the changes between pronouns and POV are just too disjointed. Learning more about the opinions and observations of everyone in the band was great, but I’m not so sure it was needed. Connecting with Cynthia/Eleanor would have been easier if I knew more about her feelings about the abuse and the actions of those around her.
I feel that the story needs telling, especially so people know they aren’t alone and someone will believe them if they stand up for themself.
I did mention it above, but there are multiple abusive relationships in the story. Most of the abuse is mental and emotional, but there is a bit of physical, throughout the story.
Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.
This is an important topic that isn’t covered much in books. But you’re right, people need to see mental and emotional abuse getting called out in books. It’s huge to know that you’re not alone—and not in the wrong—in that kind of situation.
That is so strange that the POV’s would be different like that. It would jar me too.