Review: The Band – Christine Ma-Kellams

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Perfect for fans of Mouth to Mouth and Black Buck, this whip-smart, darkly funny, and biting debut follows a psychologist with a savior complex who offers shelter to a recently cancelled K-pop idol on the run.

Sang Duri is the eldest member and “visual” of a Korean boy band at the apex of global superstardom. But when his latest solo single accidentally leads to controversy, he’s abruptly cancelled.

To spare the band from fallout with obsessive fans and overbearing management, Duri disappears from the public eye by hiding out in the McMansion of a Chinese American woman he meets in a Los Angeles H-Mart. But his rescuer is both unhappily married with children and a psychologist with a savior complex, a combination that makes their potential union both seductive and incredibly problematic.

Meanwhile, Duri’s cancellation catapults not only a series of repressed memories from his music producer’s earlier years about the original girl group whose tragic disbanding preceded his current success, but also a spiral of violent interactions that culminates in an award show event with reverberations that forever change the fates of both the band members and the music industry.

In its indicting portrayal of mental health and public obsession, fandom, and cancel culture, The Band considers the many ways in which love and celebrity can devolve into something far more sinister when their demands are unmet.

Christine Ma-Kellams’ debut novel, The Band, is a captivating and exceptionally written book that blends together sharp wit, dark humor, and insightful commentary on the modern world of fame and mental health. The book is a must-read for anyone who is fascinated by the complex relationship between celebrity culture and personal identity. The book follows the story of Sang Duri, a globally renowned Korean boy band member. Duri’s life takes a dramatic turn after he becomes embroiled in a controversy surrounding his solo work. The author’s portrayal of Duri’s sudden fall from grace and his subsequent disappearance into the life of a Chinese American psychologist is nothing short of brilliant. The psychologist, dealing with her own issues and savior complex, becomes a complex character whose interactions with Duri are both intriguing and deeply problematic. The narrative is skillfully woven, exploring themes of obsession, fame, and the often toxic nature of fan culture.

The book doesn’t shy away from delving into the darker aspects of these themes, presenting a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. The way the author ties Duri’s cancellation to the music producer’s past, and the violent spirals that ensue is a testament to her storytelling prowess. What sets “The Band” apart is its unflinching look at the impact of cancel culture and the toll it takes on mental health. The book’s characters are beautifully flawed, making their journey through the narrative compelling and heartbreakingly real. The climax, which takes place during an award show, is both shocking and fitting, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

The Band by Christine Ma-Kellams is a remarkable debut that offers a unique and critical look at the intersection of love, fame, and the darker sides of human nature. It’s a book that stays with you long after the last page, making you question the very nature of celebrity and the unseen struggles behind the facade of fame. It is a solid five-star read that comes highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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