Intermission

“An introspective, original novel…It is hard to write about figures of recent history in a way that feels authentic and true, but Bill Evans is drawn here in all his quirkiness and mutability…This novel stands as a well-written lament. It is a clear-eyed exploration of a jazz intermission, of the forced break in the chaos, and an apt tribute to a music so full of life that even a pause, a silence, can go down howling.”

Esi Edugyan, Guardian

“This fine if elusive novel about a jazz giant echoes his art in both its style and its story-telling…A novel as oblique, elusive but quietly hypnotic as its hero’s own playing.”

Boyd Tonkin, Independent

“A sensitive depiction of an artist in mourning…A delicate and affecting work of fiction…[Martell] writes with elegant precision…Intermission is an impressive English-language debut, a deft and sensitive depiction of a family shadowed by loss.”

Financial Times

“The mood music conjured up is evocative, reflective and muted…Martell’s wonderful portrait…is as vivid as it is sympathetic…Lingers in the mind like an elusive, mournful melody.”

Daily Mail

“Superb.”

Irish Times

“A vivid description of the 1960s New York music scene, it has a wonderfully noirish feel – and scoops our prize for best cover design.”

Elle Decoration

“Martell uses his writing skills to immerse you in the sights, sounds and culture of a pivotal moment in music history. While expertly exploring the tragic true story of arguably the greatest jazz pianist of all time, Martell has put himself on the map as one of the most promising writers in the UK to date.”

Press Association syndicated review

“Written with real soul.”

The List

“For readers who revel in the beauty of great writing, there is much here to enjoy.”

The Bookbag

“[A] highly accomplished account of a notoriously elusive topic, the life of music.”

Book Oxygen

“Unique and original…Beautifully written.”

Buzz magazine