Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess

Introduction

Solo (2017) by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess is a young adult novel written in free verse, blending themes of music, identity, family, and self-discovery. The novel follows Blade Morrison, the 17-year-old son of a troubled rock star, as he struggles to carve out his own identity amid his father’s public scandals, his own heartbreak, and a life-altering family secret. His journey takes him from the glitz of Los Angeles to the heart of Ghana, where he seeks answers about his past and ultimately finds a deeper understanding of home and belonging.

As with Alexander’s previous works, Solo is written in poetic verse, incorporating song lyrics, text messages, and classic rock references, making it a rhythmic and emotionally engaging read.

Plot Summary

Blade Morrison, named after the Black superhero, is the son of rock star Rutherford Morrison, whose career has been overshadowed by drug and alcohol addiction. Blade's mother died when he was young, leaving the family fractured and emotionally unmoored. His sister, Storm, embraces their chaotic celebrity life, but Blade yearns for something different. He wants to escape his father’s legacy, the paparazzi, and his on-again, off-again relationship with his girlfriend, Chapel, whose father disapproves of their romance.

Blade’s world is shattered when Storm reveals that he was adopted. Devastated by the betrayal and desperate for answers, Blade embarks on a journey to Ghana, where he hopes to reconnect with his birth mother. In a small Ghanaian village, he meets Joy, a local girl who helps him navigate the cultural and emotional terrain of his newfound roots. Through his time in Ghana, Blade learns about community, resilience, and what it truly means to be family.

Narrative Structure and Writing Style

1. Free Verse and Lyricism

As in The Crossover and Booked, Kwame Alexander employs his signature free verse style, making the novel a quick yet immersive read. The poetic format allows for an expressive and introspective narrative, mirroring Blade’s emotions and musical inclinations.

The novel is structured like a song, with sections resembling verses, choruses, and bridges. This format reflects Blade’s identity as a musician and his emotional ups and downs, making the story feel dynamic and fluid.

2. Musical Influence

Music plays a central role in Solo, not just in Blade’s personal identity but in the novel’s structure. The book is filled with references to classic rock legends like U2, Bob Dylan, and The Black Keys, highlighting the influence of Blade’s father’s era of music while also contrasting it with Blade’s own songwriting style.

Blade’s lyrics, interwoven throughout the novel, capture his inner turmoil and growth, adding another layer of depth to the story. For example:

"Ever heard
the sound
of goodbye?
The way a door closes.
The way a deer looks.
The way a busted bird sings."

Themes and Key Messages

1. Identity and Self-Discovery

Blade’s journey is a classic coming-of-age story about finding one’s true self beyond the expectations and burdens of family. His search for identity is compounded by the revelation that he was adopted, forcing him to question who he really is and what defines him—his upbringing, his genes, or his choices.

2. Family and Forgiveness

A major theme in Solo is the complexity of family relationships. Blade’s resentment toward his father is evident from the start, but his time in Ghana teaches him that people, even those who make mistakes, are capable of redemption. The novel explores the idea that family is not just about blood but about connection and understanding.

3. Love and Betrayal

Blade's romantic struggles, particularly his relationship with Chapel, highlight themes of trust and heartbreak. While he initially believes their love is real, he later realizes that relationships, like dreams, do not always unfold as expected.

4. Cultural Exploration and Homecoming

Blade’s journey to Ghana serves as both a literal and metaphorical homecoming. The novel presents a respectful portrayal of Ghanaian culture, with Joy serving as a guide who challenges Blade’s assumptions about identity, privilege, and belonging. His time in the village forces him to step outside his comfort zone and recognize the richness of life beyond fame and wealth.

Character Development

1. Blade Morrison

Blade is a compelling protagonist—talented, introspective, and deeply affected by his family’s dysfunction. His initial resentment toward his father evolves into understanding, making his emotional growth one of the novel’s strongest aspects.

2. Rutherford Morrison (Blade’s Father)

Rutherford is portrayed as a tragic figure—once a rock legend, now a struggling addict. His character is a blend of recklessness and regret, making him complex rather than one-dimensional.

3. Storm (Blade’s Sister)

Storm embraces the chaos of their celebrity life, but she also serves as a truth-teller, revealing the family secret that sends Blade on his journey. Despite their conflicts, her love for Blade is evident.

4. Joy (Blade’s Guide in Ghana)

Joy is a strong, independent character who challenges Blade’s worldview. She is skeptical of his intentions at first but ultimately helps him find clarity in his identity crisis.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

✅ Engaging, lyrical storytelling: The poetic verse format makes the novel a fast and rhythmic read.
✅ Emotional depth: The themes of family, identity, and forgiveness are explored with nuance.
✅ Authentic character voices: Blade’s internal struggles feel real and relatable.
✅ Cultural depth: The Ghanaian setting adds richness to the narrative, offering a contrast between Blade’s two worlds.
✅ Music as a narrative device: The integration of song lyrics and classic rock references enhances the story’s emotional weight.

Weaknesses

⚠️ Limited depth in secondary characters: While Blade is well-developed, some characters, like Chapel, feel underexplored.
⚠️ Pacing issues: The transition from Hollywood to Ghana feels abrupt, making the novel’s second half somewhat rushed.
⚠️ Some predictable elements: The story follows familiar coming-of-age tropes, making certain plot twists foreseeable.

Critical Reception

Solo has been widely praised for its lyrical writing, engaging storytelling, and emotional impact. Critics and educators appreciate its accessibility, making it an excellent choice for reluctant readers and poetry lovers alike.

However, some reviewers note that while the novel’s style is unique, the verse format may not appeal to all readers. Others feel that the shift from Blade’s life in LA to his journey in Ghana could have been more seamlessly integrated.

Conclusion

Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess’s Solo is a beautifully crafted novel that blends music, poetry, and storytelling into a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Blade Morrison’s search for identity, family, and belonging is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making the novel a compelling read for teens and young adults.

With its evocative verse, rich themes, and musical soul, Solo is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Whether you are a fan of poetry, music, or coming-of-age stories, this book delivers a resonant and memorable experience.