Having recently seen Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds live in Manchester, I thought it would be worth reading "Faith, Hope, and Carnage", a book co-written by Nick Cave and journalist Sean O’Hagan, and I'm glad I did. This book is an absolute blueprint of what all future rock journalism should look like. This isn't just a Rock n Roll interview book, it's a profound exploration of life, faith, grief, and creativity. The book takes the form of an extended conversation between Cave and O’Hagan, touching on topics as diverse as the nature of art, the role of faith, and the emotional impact of personal loss. As a result, the book feels less like a conventional memoir and more like a deeply personal meditation, as Nick Cave ( I discovered his genius via the Peaky Blinders soundtrack) opens up about his struggles and transformations in a cathartic and lucid way.
Although it is a book about songwriting and Cave's immense work ethic, the motif that runs throughout is the touching taboo of grief. Cave has suffered tragic personal loss, including the death of his son Arthur in 2015. This experience has fundamentally changed his approach to life, art, and spirituality, and much of Faith, Hope, and Carnage centres on how Cave has attempted to process and live with his grief. Through his conversations with O’Hagan, Cave rarely tries to rationalize his suffering or provide a path to healing; he speaks honestly about the raw, often painful journey of grief and the moments of unexpected grace that can emerge along the way. This openness and vulnerability make the book incredibly moving and relatable for anyone who has faced similar struggles. For a staunch atheist like me, Cave's devout faith is humbling - his questionable (at times) agnostic attitude is also refreshing.
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| Nick Cave in Manchester Nov 5th 2024 Image by @rybazoxo |
Another striking element of the book is Cave’s evolving relationship with faith. Despite being known for his often dark and provocative music, Cave has grown increasingly interested in questions of spirituality and the search for meaning. He speaks candidly about his complex relationship with Christianity, describing faith not as a solution but as a way of grappling with religion and its often conflicting theology. Cave’s reflections on faith are nuanced and reflective, capturing the hope, doubt, and naked faith that come with seeking a deeper purpose. For readers interested in spirituality, his reflections offer a fresh perspective free of dogma, grounded instead in lived experience and a willingness to embrace mystery. As a fan of his music, yet unapologetically unreligious, I found this part the most interesting.
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| Nick Cave Image by @rybazoxo |
The conversations also delve into Cave’s artistic process, shedding light on how his creative vision has shifted over his 40-year career. Known for his work with the band The Bad Seeds, Cave has long been lauded for his darkly poetic lyrics and evocative storytelling. But in Faith, Hope, and Carnage, he reflects on how his recent experiences have transformed his art, pushing him toward a more open, compassionate view of the world. He discusses his current creative practices, encompassing openness and vulnerability, and how he has come to see art as a way of connecting with others. Cave’s thoughts on creativity are insightful, illustrating how art can be a means of self-expression and healing.
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| WILD GOD is available now |
Ultimately, Faith, Hope, and Carnage is a powerful, thought-provoking book that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of a memoir, interview or rock biography. It’s a work of introspection and philosophical questioning that invites you to think about your own life, struggles, and their meaning. For fans of Nick Cave or anyone drawn to questions of faith, loss, and creativity, this book offers a resonant, transformative experience and is one of the best I've read in quite some time.
Ryan's Read Rating - 8/10
I bought this from 'World Of Books' a brilliant website for buying 2nd hand - helping to save the world, sustainability, and books!
