Title: Composed: A Memoir
Author: Rosanne Cash
First published April 1, 2010
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670021963 (ISBN10: 0670021962)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
Rosanne Cash, a celebrated singer and songwriter, shares her intimate and emotional journey in this captivating memoir. From her upbringing as the daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash to her rise to fame in Nashville and her move to New York, Cash candidly reveals the challenges and triumphs of her life and career.
With poignant reflections on motherhood, love, loss, and the creative process, this memoir is a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to a life lived with passion and purpose. Written in a series of linked pieces, Composed is an illuminating and unforgettable read, reminiscent of classic memoirs like The Glass Castle and Educated.
About the Author
Meet Roseanne Cash, a talented American singer-songwriter and author who has won four Grammy awards. She is the firstborn child of the legendary country music figure Johnny Cash and his former spouse, Vivian Liberto.
In 1979, Cash tied the knot with Rodney Crowell, a singer-songwriter in the country music space. They went on to have three daughters: Caitlin, Chelsea, and Carrie.
However, they parted ways in 1992. In 1995, Cash remarried, this time to John Leventhal.
They are blessed with a son named Jakob. Currently, Cash resides in Manhattan.
Editoral Review
Rosanne Cash is a celebrated musician, but her memoir Composed is a departure from her usual work as it delves into her personal life. Published on April 1, 2010, this book presents an immersive story of Cash’s life that is intensely personal, poignant and reflective.
Composed: A Memoir is a non-fiction book that tells the story of Rosanne Cash’s life in a series of disconnected episodes. It provides a vivid account of her childhood growing up in the spotlight and her struggles with personal demons.
The memoir is an intimate reflection of her life, showing her vulnerability and flaws while also highlighting her strengths and achievements. Cash writes engrossing prose that is both lyrical and poignant.
Her writing style is reflective, and she often muses over the choices she has made in her life. The book is a memoir, and there are no surprises in the plot.
It follows the chronology of Cash’s life, starting with her childhood days in California and then moving on to her rise to fame as a musician. One of the striking features of the book is Cash’s brutal honesty in depicting the challenging times in her life, including the dissolution of her marriage and family struggles.
Cash is also reflective of the musical influences on her life. Her father was the legendary Johnny Cash, and she writes candidly about how his music helped her to shape her own style.
She discusses the influence of other artists, such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, and how they contributed to her development as a musician. The memoir connects with readers on various levels.
It provides historical insight, as it covers the music scene in the United States and how it evolved during Cash’s lifetime. It also addresses gender and societal issues, including the pressures that women face in both the music industry and in their personal lives.
Cash’s memoir is captivating, and she presents a wealth of substance in her writing. The book’s strength is in its style and the emotion that Cash evokes through her storytelling.
Her writing is both authentic and elegant, making it a pleasure to read. In terms of weaknesses, there were some cases where certain plot points felt rushed, and the narrative felt disjointed at times.
Some readers may have preferred a more linear narrative, but the book’s structure is purposeful, reflecting the fragmented nature of memories. Overall, Composed: A Memoir is a must-read for fans of Rosanne Cash and those who appreciate honest self-reflection.
It is a testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience, as Cash provides insight into her life and music in a profound and meaningful way. Rating: 4/5
