Dear Everyone,
The musical reference in “Gabriel’s Inferno” that has generated the most discussion is the mention of Nine Inch Nails. Some readers enjoy Trent Reznor, (the creative force behind the band), and his music. Some readers don’t.
Within the context of the story, Professor Emerson explains that he listens to Nine Inch Nails only when he is in a particular mood. In contrast, Julia never listens to them because she associates a particular song with a bad experience. (Warning: Some people might find the song disturbing and/or offensive)
A character’s musical tastes can shed light on what he or she finds beautiful or meaningful. The music a character avoids can be similarly illuminating, by drawing attention to lyrics or ideas that he or she finds distasteful.
In my conversations with readers, I’ve encountered varying musical tastes (as one might expect). As I pointed out in these discussions, not all my references to Nine Inch Nails are negative. For example, there is a scene in which Gabriel confesses that he has spent a lot of time listening to Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt, which was composed by Trent Reznor. Julia admits that Hurt resonates with her, as well. There is also a scene in which Paul claims to like a song that Trent Reznor recorded with Tori Amos.
In the comments section, I invite your remarks on musical taste in general and on Nine Inch Nails specifically. (I only ask that you don’t post spoilers for the story!)
I enjoy interacting with readers. It’s been a great pleasure to meet many of you through email, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
PS. If you’ve read “Gabriel’s Inferno,” would you consider writing a review on Goodreads or Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de?
I am honoured to have had all three of my novels appear on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. I was a Semifinalist for Best Author in the 2011 and 2012 Goodreads Choice Awards. {