#BookReview: Ida: Searching for the Jazz Baby

Posted on by Liz Gauffreau

My Review

Click cover to buy from Amazon.

Ida: Searching for the Jazz Baby by Australian poet Frank Prem is based on an intriguing premise: whether or not it’s possible to uncover the past life of someone who has lost her identity to madness or senility.

In this instance of lost identity, one of three women named Ida institutionalized in the Melbourne-Mayday Hills Asylum is rumored by a group of young  amateur nurse-detectives to be none other than Ida Pender, paramour of notorious Melbourne gangster Lesley Squizzy Taylor, who was killed in a gunfight  in 1927.

Ah, but which Ida is THE Ida, whom poet Prem later calls “my Ida”? Is she the one with  “spindle legs”  and  “hands / shaped / into claws // just about / to strangle you? (“ida spider (I knew her when)”) Is she the poor soul who squawks like a parrot until the nurses throw a sheet over her so she’ll sleep? Or is she the Ida of rosy cheeks and bewilderment and little else? Which of the three is the woman with the interesting story, and which of the three are mere shambling shells?

This section of the book raised the discomfiting question in my mind of whether someone who is old, infirm, and/or suffering from dementia is any more of a person now for having led an interesting life then–or whether the interesting past life diminishes who she is now even more.

The collection goes through several movements and voices as Prem explores the Ida mystery from a vantage point of fifty years after he first encountered it as a young student. He initially speaks in his own voice to retrieve his memories of the three Ida’s. As he uncovers pieces of Ida Pender’s story from newspaper accounts, he uses direct address to share them with the Ida he is in the process of creating. He then steps aside and lets the created Ida speak for herself.

Prem employs his customary minimalist style to good effect in these poems, with short lines and lack of capitalization or punctuation conveying the poet’s stream-of-consciousness musings and, in the poems speaking in Ida’s voice, her youthful, carefree recklessness and, later, bemused regret.

The book includes several scanned newspaper clippings preceding the poems they inspired. I would have preferred that the newspaper clippings be placed at the end of the book with the listing of primary sources. I found that they distracted my focus on the poems because the old, faded typeface was very difficult to read. The brief, transcribed excerpts from these newspaper stories that serve as headers to the poems provide the necessary historical context for each poem on their own.

In the end, I found myself deeply moved by the presentation of Ida’s elusive, illusionary life. That said, the full import of the individual poems, as well as the collection as a whole, did not reveal itself to me until I had read the collection twice and given myself time for reflection. Ida: Searching for the Jazz Baby is a poetry collection best read slowly in a quiet room when the pressing demands of the day can be set aside. It’s the least we can do for Ida, real or imagined.

Meet the Poet

Frank Prem has been a storytelling poet since his teenage years. He has been a psychiatric nurse through all of his professional career, which now exceeds forty years.

He has been published in magazines, online zines and anthologies in Australia, and in a number of other countries, and has both performed and recorded his work as spoken word.

He lives with his wife in the beautiful township of Beechworth in North East Victoria, Australia.

https://FrankPrem.com

Just for Fun

Just for fun, I thought I’d try to find music popular in Australia during the 1920s to hear what songs may have set Ida’s feet flying. This is what I found on Internet Archive and YouTube.

“Red Hot Mama” by Ray Miller and His Orchestra (1925) (Internet Archive)

 

195 thoughts on “#BookReview: Ida: Searching for the Jazz Baby”

  4. Thanks Liz for another great review and introduction to Frank Prem’s poetry. Another one for the reading list. Loved the musical selection, especially Sonny Clay’s Plantation Orchestra which I have added to my Music Box List.

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    2. Hi Thérèse, thank you. I was amazed to find the extent to which the newspapers (and public) must have been with Ida back at that time. A kind of surrogate entertainment that happened in real life, but to someone else, a long way away.

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      1. Hi Frank, I do think newspapers back then did carry a lot of the entertainment and soap stories we today take part of elsewhere. They of course also had the advantage of not too much competition 😊. How did you come to write about Ida – was it because of her mental illness or because she was featured a lot? What intrigued you about her?
        I find the thought of trying to recover someone’s life/identity very exciting. Having experienced senility in relatives, I think it’s something great to try to give back what has been lost and sometimes forgotten even by those who are next of kin. The ways of the mind is surely fascinating.

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        1. Thérèse, I was actually hunting fir ideas after writing a big picture poetry collection of World War 1, and looking in that era. I first encountered Squizzy Taylor as the feature of the times and then recalled the slender link I had going back all the way to rumors in my student days. I was amazed at the glimpses of Ida’s life that were just waiting to be found.

          The freedom and will of that young Ida to pursue whatever she felt was next to do seemed a wonderful free-spirit nature that went with thiose wild times.

          Fascinating indeed!

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          1. Wonderful! It makes me think about what will entice future generations about us living today. With the abundance of information we leave behind, what will engage them about us… will they be able to find such gems? 😊

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  11. I find this story and your indepth exploration fascinating. The way that you express the different voices in the book: the author’s direct address, then voice is transferred, as the author “steps aside” and allows the character to speak…Wow, brilliant authorial technique!
    As always Liz, I cannot say it enough. Your reviews are superb reflections of the poems/book, and your skill keeps sacred the key details, so that the reader has lots to look forward to when they experience the work…thanks to your expert and careful spotlight.

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  12. You’ve given us much food for thought in this review, Liz. Which Ida, indeed? And your question about the past life of a person with dementia is one to ponder. Very interesting post!

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    2. Thank you, Janet. When I was working as a nurse back in Institution days, there were many patient/residents who had very clearly had past lives, with delineations of before and after illness struck. I vividly recall one of the Idas was in her nineties and her history divided her life very neatly into three parts – girl/woman – 30 years. Principal carer for her mother – 30 years. Resident of the mental institution – 30 years.

      I found that a very profound thing to contemplate.

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  15. What an absolutely fun book review!!! It draws me strongly towards the author and the book!! I love jazz music and it’s improvisation unpon musical time… your book review sparks my thought that perhaps all of life is a jazz improvisation with different tunes and rhythms in different life phases.
    Your comment about dementia and it being perceived as worse because of the life well lived… I hear that. It reminds me of Elton John’s song “candle in the wind”.
    Beautiful post. Thank you!

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      1. You’re welcome! Thank you for writing even when it might be easier to do something else.
        And I agree with you and Ida…doing what’s needed and letting that be enough seems more in keeping with the cycles of nature.
        I wish you the best!

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  16. An excellent review, Liz. Your thoughts on dementia were poignant. Dementia is an illness, and like any other illness, it does not define a person’s worth, but humanity fears the loss of memory and consciousness. I have subscribed to Frank Prem’s YouTube Channel. He has a marvelous voice for recitation. Thank you for introducing me to this poet.

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      1. Ooh, ah . . .

        There’s a challenge.

        I’m hoping to revise the images in the book – clean them up with new and developing photoshop skills, but in the core of me I’m not sure if I should. A little ongoing dilemma.

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          1. Some of them are all of that, Liz, but nonetheless managed to catch my eye in the first place and the risk in cleaning them up is they satrt to look like they’ve been starched.

            I might save myself the headache. What’s doen can stay done.

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    2. Hi Rebecca.

      Thank you so much. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed some readings. I hope to do more soon, but life is busy.

      I found working in the dementia wards the hardest placements of my student nurse days. Challenging every level of my self awareness and compassion and skills (of which I had few at the time). COmpounded by the knowledge that we staff were the only familiar contact for so many of the patient/residents.

      Hard experiences all round.

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  17. Reblogged this on Frank Prem Poetry and commented:
    So good to visit Liz’s review of Ida: Searchng for The Jazz Baby. A wonderful review with depth and texture to catch hold of.

    How about the ‘Red Hot Mama’ performance by Ray Miller and the Orchestra? That’s a good get, Liz.

    Pop over to Liz’s place and check out the review and her wonderful work.

    Thanks again, Liz.

    Liked by 3 people

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      1. For sure, Liz. There has been a long lingering tradition of Jazz big bands in Australia of which I can recall only a couple – The Red Onions Jazz Band, and various incarnations of Don Burrows bands. It has always been an element of Australian music and occasionally produced brilliance.

        It was certainly all the rage before WWII and likely the kind of music Ida danced to would have included the Charlston, for certain.

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        2. Brings back memories of my mother’s stories and her love of music and dancing. The 20’s of course and the Charleston among others, with her young husband, my father who just happened to give evening dancing lessons at the then famous Montreal, Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio. I look forward to reading your book.

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          1. Wonderful memories, Jean-Jacques! Ida and her subsequent husband opened a dance hall, which failed, but seems to suggest they were quite the thing.

            I hope you enjoy discovering Ida and her world.

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            1. I’ve no doubt l will enjoy your book, as jazz and all that is related to this music has always fascinated me. Montreal was once a great city for it and we still is more or less as we continue to hold a jazz festival each summer since 1980.
              By the way a common interest we have as well for l’ve been scribbling poetic presumed seriously, also since the aforementioned date, tho only first published in 2007, with book number 19 Poetry in Brief – painting a mind – available 3 days ago thru Lulu publishing.
              Bravo for your Ida: Searching for the Jazz Baby !

              Liked by 3 people

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            2. I’ve no doubt l will enjoy your book, as jazz and all that is related to this music has always fascinated me. Montreal was once a great city for it and we still is more or less as we continue to hold a jazz festival each summer since 1980.
              By the way a common interest we have as well for l’ve been scribbling poetic presumed seriously, also since the aforementioned date, tho only first published in 2007, with book number 19 Poetry in Brief – painting a mind – available 3 days ago thru Lulu publishing.
              Good luck with your Ida, searching for the Jazz Baby…!

              Liked by 2 people

              Reply

            3. I’ve no doubt l will enjoy your book, as jazz and all that is related to this music has always fascinated me. Montreal was once a great city for it and we still is more or less as we continue to hold a jazz festival each summer since 1980.
              By the way a common interest we have as well for l’ve been scribbling poetic presumed seriously, also since the aforementioned date, tho only first published in 2007, with book number 19 Poetry in Brief – painting a mind – available 3 days ago thru Lulu publishing.
              Good luck with your Ida : searching for Jazz Baby…!

              Liked by 3 people

              Reply

            4. I’ve no doubt l will enjoy your book, as jazz and all that is related to this music has always fascinated me. Montreal was once a great city for it and we still is more or less as we continue to hold a jazz festival each summer since 1980.
              By the way a common interest we have as well for l’ve been scribbling poetic presumed seriously, also since the aforementioned date, tho only first published in 2007, with book number 19 Poetry in Brief – painting a mind – available 3 days ago thru Lulu publishing.
              Bravo for your Ida:searching for the Jazz Baby…!

              Like

              Reply

  18. I’m highly intrigued. What an interesting premise. The fact it disturbed you to wonder about the identities of ourselves as we age and those who are affected by dementia in relation to the lives they led tells me this unusual story – dare I call it Experimental Fiction – works effectively.
    I’m adding it to my wish list and will pick it up when I can.
    Thanks also for providing the music to imagine a bit of Ida’s world… whichever of the 3 (or more) she may be.

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  19. Hey Liz, great choice of period story to review, with Frank Prem’s history influencing his writing of poetry. This combined with jazz, my kind of music to say the least very much so my kind of language. I’ve already placed an order for its paperback version on Amazon. Thank you ever so much…!

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  26. What an interesting review, Liz. One thing that impresses me about Frank’s writing is how creative he is in choosing a theme or subject for his collections. This is no exception and perhaps takes that creativity to the next level. I can see why it might be best enjoyed when a reader can give it his or her full attention. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and congrats to Frank on the engaging review. 😀

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  27. What a review, Liz! And congrats to Frank!
    I’m attracted to the premise: Uncovering the past life of someone who has lost her identity to madness or senility. Frank’s years as a psychiatric nurse may explain his interest in the topic and also his expertise in handling it. I want to return to view the videos. Great post!

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    2. Thank you so much, Marian. The greatest gift Psychiatric Nursing bestowed on me is some small capacity for empathy with my subject. I treasure that and feel it is the basis of my writing, these days.

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  29. Dementia can drain the life even from those we know well. And how do we know, even, ourselves–how much of the past that we remember is true? This is a good premise for poetry, and having actual historical sources adds to the depth. (K)

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    2. Thank you, Kerfe. Having a connection – however tenuous – makes a difference in whether I find a subject or theme appealing to dive into. Even a vague memory of a vague rumour will do at a pinch.

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  31. Liz, Yes, “I think we’re better at remembering the emotional truths of our past than the facts.” How true. My sister is now in the beginning throes of dementia – and sometimes not to remember the truth can be a gift. A wonderful review of a fascinating subject. continue…

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  38. This is a fascinating review, Liz.
    You present this writer’s style clearly, and clearly it is on the unique side.
    Intriguing topic, thank you!
    I enjoyed the music selections. Love that muted horn!

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  42. An interesting review. I have enjoyed a couple of Frank’s unique books, but this one is new to me. Sometimes, perhaps often, by the time an elderly person needs to go into a care home, it is too late for them to gather their most precious belongings and memories. Distant family or strangers left with the task of clearing a home would not know what clues to the past to keep and as you say Liz, is the original person ever to be found?

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  44. Liz, as always, I appreciate your balanced review. Thank you for introducing us to poetry that tells a story and poses difficult questions—quite an accomplishment. And I’m loving the 1920s Australian music; nice addition!

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  46. Hi Liz, thanks for introducing us to Frank’s Ida!
    The two songs were a nice addition to the book review and they played as I scrolled comments.
    —
    I cannot always buy all of the books I see featured in various blogger posts, but this one is on my “get list” because it does sound so good (and I will try to “read slowly in a quiet room”) also, I am very curious about Frank’s poetry style and look forward to see story depiction through prose.

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