If the authorities banned music, what kind of world would we live in? Delving into medieval Europe, rock journalist Neil Mach skilfully depicts the torment & sorrow that results from censorship & exile in his ingenious story, The Last Music Bearer.
But his tale is not complete fantasy: From 1996-2001, the Taliban government in Afghanistan banned all Western music. Musical instruments were destroyed, festivities were prohibited, musicians were banished, and only religious chants praising the leadership were allowed. The ban was put back into effect following the return of Taliban rule in 2021.
In North Korea, music is restricted to state-approved performances and state-authorised ensembles. The only music that’s allowed must promote the Kim dynasty and Juche ideology. Most Western music is banned.
Neil Mach’s story takes place in a medieval world where, like in Afghanistan and modern-day North Korea, the state-religion oppresses music and song.
The Church decreed that all music was wrongful. Bells, whistles, drums, and gongs — all these were illegal…
The Last Music Bearer by Neil Mach
The sound of music reaches those in need thanks to a group of wandering friars. But, as in Afghanistan, the authorities in his novel operate a gang of totalitarianists, the Black Hounds, who belong to a formidable brotherhood. Their state-sponsored mission is to destroy music. The Black Hounds systematically observe the operations of the Music Bearers and aim to hunt them to extinction.
The secret pro-music society takes in Elis, an orphan, and moulds him into one of their song carriers. While being targeted by the Black Hounds, Elis must accomplish his mission.
Music Bearers were compelled to keep moving, or they would be identified & slaughtered…
The Last Music Bearer by Neil Mach
Despite never mentioning a childhood romance, Elis carries deep sorrow over the way his relationship with a girl concluded and as he anticipates life as a celibate Music Bearer. The longing he experiences will hinder his musical journey.
In the meantime, a determined new member of the Black Hound secret-police aims to establish a reputation by capturing a key undercover agent of the Music Bearers. Is he capable of picking up this mysterious underground operator? Or will Zadock, the merciless seeker of musicians, reach her before his talented rival does?
There is freedom in music…
The Last Music Bearer by Neil Mach
and music in freedom…
Will the Black Hounds completely eradicate music? Will the dark forces of prohibition overpower the light of harmony?
Can a single person save and protect euphony? Does a displaced orphan even care about the survival of music? Or is he out to save himself?
Wouldn’t Elis, the Last Music Bearer, simply prefer to leave behind the daunting duty of sharing music… and escape this unappreciative world?
The Last Music Bearer by Neil Mach
Available as paperback : 256 pages
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 1508685460
main photo credit: Judy van der Velden [CC]
Max Writivity Club 