A man looking for escape. A man with dreams. In this assured, tender and moving debut, Anna Corbett has created a complex and intriguing central character who takes us from the docks of Tiger Bay to the dives of New York on a journey that explores ‘in-betweenness’ in relation to intimate relationships, place and identity, against a sound-track of Harlem Renaissance-era jazz. Moving through cityscapes rich in colour, sound and texture, where – and with whom – will he find ‘home’? I listened to the music, cared about the characters and was kept wondering till the last how it would all turn out – storytelling at its best!

Dr Jackie Goode
Sociologist &Visiting Fellow @ Loughborough University

Anna Corbett’s vivid portrayal of the Tiger Bay community in Cardiff during the 1920s and 30s is both truthful and tender- hearted, yet the discontented George decides to reject it all to follow his dreams to America. There he discovers that those dreams come at some considerable cost.

The many interesting characters who accompany him on his life journey are deftly woven into an engaging story of love, identity and redemption. Set in two multicultural communities separated by the Atlantic Ocean but united by the rhythms of music and life, Tiger Bay in Cardiff and Harlem in New York City, Masquerade is an extraordinary debut – a smart, sensual and witty novel that is deeply informed by archival research and Anna’s extensive, lifelong passion for Jazz music.

Jeremy Rees, Radio Presenter & Jazz Show host at Radio Cardiff

This fast-moving story takes us back to life between the two World Wars in the old Cardiff Docklands community of Tiger Bay and Harlem, New York. It follows the fortunes of one mixed race family as the light-skinned central character leaves to find a better life in New York. Anna Corbett successfully combines a very engaging human story with historically accurate details of life in these two very different communities. Particularly striking is the hardship and dangers faced by new immigrants arriving in New York and the precarious existence, driven by dreams of a betterment, that passing for white entails.

Professor Chris Weedon, Cardiff University

Anna Corbett’s engaging novel delves headfirst and very directly into issues of race, belonging, family, and discovery. An enthralling read with very relatable themes taking you with the protagonist on his transatlantic, transcultural life odyssey from cold Cardiff to the seething cultural melting pot of Harlem. With the burgeoning Harlem Jazz and social scene providing fresh stimuli and a fertile environment, George finds his place in the world, and in the end, redemption?

Gordon Wedderburn: Jazz Radio Presenter and Promoter, Co-Founder: GW Jazz, London.

‘This poignant and captivating book kept me engrossed with relatable characters from start to finish. It gives an authentic and heartbreakingly honest insight into growing up as a Black girl in 1950’s Cornwall and life beyond in London. Anna Corbett explores this journey of identity and belonging with compassion, warmth, and understanding. The desire to fit in, in an environment where you are seen as ‘other’ can be extremely challenging. This is captured brilliantly in the way that Sarah’s hair becomes a focal point not only for her but for everyone around her. It is viewed as embarrassing, problematic and something to be dealt with.

Being born into one culture and living in another simultaneously is tough. It is hard to find belonging, identity and home. Anna Corbett captures this journey throughout this book in unique, memorable, and brilliant storytelling. This is absolutely worth a read.’

Lorna Wells: playwright, writer and lyricist: ‘It Tastes Like Home: the Musical’, ‘Illusions of Liberty’ and ‘Before Birdsong’

In I Hear a Melody, Anna evokes the personal history of a character – Sarah – whose life journey, though fictional, reflects the authentic lived experience of those who fit uneasily into a society that struggles to accept or accommodate them.

Themes of race and identity are explored in rural and urban environments, and found to be problematic in both. Growing up and becoming aware of these issues, coupled with oppressive gender attitudes she encounters, Sarah’s innocence seems to be gradually eroded.

And yet, despite Sarah’s life struggles, there is a sense of joy, and a positivity, that flows throughout her life’s narrative. Grounded and anchored by family and friends, our protagonist finds delight and comfort in the ‘simple’ things – shared meals, music and companionship.

This marks Anna’s drama out from others that might deal with such crucial subjects in a less optimistic way. Above all, there is hope.

David Brett – The Word Bookshop
London

Melodies run throughout as a background to a major part of this story. It includes music which engenders a strong desire for foot-tapping, smiling or sad reflections of pain and classical pieces which include the elated yet melancholy beauty of a choir of human voices soaring up to the rafters.

I was totally engaged from each chapter to the next, being curious as to how and where it would lead. The characters are cleverly painted as to demonstrate those whom Sarah meets along the way. She comes across cultures and communities different from her own experience as she searches for her place in society, her family and loving friends always being there to support her.

I enjoyed Anna Corbett’s descriptive style and imagery of people and places from the beautiful county of Cornwall to the capital city fondly known back in the 60’s as ‘swinging London’.

Joyce Fraser OBE:
Playwright. Founder and Chair of The Black Heroes Foundation.

In 1950s England, mixed race child Sarah is aware of her difference to others in her rural community. Music plays a large part in her family life, bringing fun and happiness. She explores her cultural identity as she grows up and leaves home to begin a new chapter in cosmopolitan 1960’s London.

Anna Corbett’s novel gives a gentle and poignant narrative into the life of a Cornish coastal family as they deal with social and political societal changes. Sarah is reminded over the years of the importance of family and friends and knows she will always be special.

I Hear a Melody gives an insightful and rich perspective into how it feels to be a child growing up within two cultures as she navigates her own identity in Britain.

Oluwatoyin Odunsi,
Creative Producer & Head of Learning and Participation, Brixton House, London