From Great Britain to the U.S., E. David Moulton’s modern day, Rock and Roll Pilgrim’s Progress spans five decades and is fast moving with creative twists and surprising spiritual turns. Main character Eddie Connor breaks into boyhood at full force dealing with the World War II bombing of London and an abusive, emotionally distant father while still managing to enjoy Tom Sawyer-like antics on the River Thames and around town.
Moulton’s unassuming, straight forward style of writing fills the pages with matter of fact points and clearly defined characters who are funny, artistic, and sometimes detestable. Eddie is a thinking man learning not to think too much. He is a passionate soul trying not to teeter too far over the edge into self-destruction.
His reasons and chosen roads are well explained and his fate is not always what he has in mind. His "less traveled" roads lead him away from the explosion of the music scene in which he is a natural leader and into much seedier worlds he never dreamed he’d have to be a part of.
Moulton conjures several believable guides along the way who not only come to Eddie’s aid but are strong, peaceful reminders of what most of us naturally seek—a reason to be, a way to make a difference, and an inner peace.
The song lyrics through-out the book are not only entertaining and catchy but serve a non-superfluous purpose by adding to the plot’s general flow. Though the main medium is music beginning before the famous "British Invasion" and continuing for decades beyond, the main character has the ability to fade from one art form only to become prolific at another, which leads to the question, "Aren’t all creative endeavors ultimately connected?" Moulton seems to think so and to prove so in his novel.
As an author, he seems to be a believer in transcending 21st century popular sensationalism to embrace the desires and accomplishments of a regular person with talent and dreams. However, there is no lack of imagination. Eddie’s accomplishments and mistakes are those of a hero and a human. He is fallible yet teachable.
He is ten parts angry, emotional, and unrealistic in his expectations and ninety parts driven to become better in every way. In other words, he is the characterization of a true artist. It is a pleasure to watch him cling to his expectations and to witness the creative influences and timing that shape this boy into a man.
Lynn Smith is a freelance writer and book reviewer from Charleston, South Carolina.