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Though born in the UK, Jennifer Dixon has lived elsewhere for most of her adult life. Nonetheless, she is still proud of her Geordie roots. Currently living in Canberra as an Australian with a strange accent, Jennifer is married and has two grown-up children. She has worked in France, Germany and Italy. She has also lived in Spain, Nepal, Thailand, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Jennifer has a degree in Sociology and a diploma in Counselling Theories and Skills and has worked variously in several bi-lingual secretarial positions within Europe, as a Court Reporter, and as an Administrative Assistant in Social Services (UK). She earned a Black Belt in judo at nineteen; has walked the 500-mile Camino (Santiago de Compostela), in Spain, twice; plays the guitar, dabbles in painting; adores languages and etymology; is very attracted to the culinary arts; cannot live without abundant laughter and, regards music as a miraculous and indispensable gift of the universe. 'Connections' is the first book she wrote.
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
With its unfathomable power, music can bring back powerful memories, help to find solace, and allow us to feel the presence of dear people who are no longer with us. Jennifer Dixon explores the power of music in her book Connections. This delicate memoir traces Dixon’s human and emotional journey from her childhood to adulthood. Born into a difficult family, Dixon grew very attached to her sister, Maureen. They shared a musical bond, but Maureen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. With the intent to raise funds for research, Dixon ran in the London Marathon and other competitions, but Maureen did not recover. After her passing away, Dixon went to Santiago, an experience she repeated after the death of other relatives. It was during the Camino that music exerted its powerful influence.
A memoir should have two aims: to help the author to reflect on his or her life and to teach something to the reader. Connections has both these elements, and this is why it is such a good read. Dixon’s story seems to be written primarily for her. Her tone reveals a degree of introspection that gave me the impression that she was pondering on every event once again. On the other hand, she has been able to tell other people that there is hope for them too. They have only to find their own “music” to be happy again. Dixon’s story is sad despite some witticism, but its message is hopeful. Music works in unexpected ways. As a music lover myself, I totally agree.
