The Time of Our Singing


The Time of Our Singing is a novel by American writer Richard Powers. It tells the story of two brothers, Jonah and Joseph Strom, who are involved in music, and explores issues of prejudice. Their parents, David Strom and Delia Daley, met at Marian Anderson's 1939 concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she had been barred from any other legitimate concert venue because she insisted that the audience be integrated. The story goes back and forth between the generations, describing the unusual coupling of a German-Jewish physicist who has lost his family in the Holocaust and a black woman from Philadelphia, both of whom have strong musical backgrounds. They impart their love of music to their family. Their two boys study music and become professional musicians: one a singer, the other a pianist. The parent's third child, their daughter Ruth, becomes a militant black activist.
This is a complex epic novel juxtaposing historical events throughout most of the 20th century, depicting racism and the development of civil rights efforts, and the author's love and knowledge of music and physics. The book can be read on many levels, but those who have at least some familiarity with music will find a plethora of references to music of all eras and styles.
An opera was written based on the book by Kris Defoort. The opera premiered in La Monnaie in Brussels in September 2021.

Music referenced in the book

Powers makes many references to specific composers, musicians and singers in the novel. Below are some examples.

Physics referenced in the book

Political references

Critical reception

The novel won the 2004 Ambassador Book Award for fiction, won the 2004 WH Smith Literary Award, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award the year before.