Susannah Felts, a Nashville native and longtime Chicago resident, has released a new novel titled *The Come Apart*, which centers on the city’s indie music scene during the late 2000s. Published by Northwestern University Press on June 15, the novel explores the struggles of a young band, Spinning Birds, as they navigate the challenges of recording their second album amid the economic difficulties of the Great Recession.

Drawing on her personal experiences as an observer and music fan in Chicago, Felts reconstructs the vibrant cultural landscape of the time with meticulous detail. The story follows lead character Maggie Corbin and her band from 2008 to 2010, focusing on their creative ambitions disrupted by internal tensions, a severe bike accident, and unexpected family issues. The narrative also incorporates original song lyrics and fictional interviews with a music journalist, offering an immersive glimpse into the era’s local music hubs such as the Empty Bottle, Danny’s Tavern in Bucktown, Rainbo Club, and the Holfax Café—modeled on the former West Town venue Bite Café.

Although Felts never wrote about music professionally during her tenure at the *Chicago Reader*, she has long been embedded in Chicago’s music scene, attending performances at legendary venues including Lounge Ax, Schubas, Double Door, Metro, and the Hideout. Her own musical interests deepened after discovering independent country artists associated with Bloodshot Records, which challenged her earlier perceptions of the Nashville sound.

Felts began work on *The Come Apart* more than a decade ago, receiving guidance from Chicago-based writers and educators Megan Stielstra and Rebecca Makkai. The novel follows her 2008 debut, *This Will Go Down On Your Permanent Record*, which gained a following among young adults.

Felts hopes her latest work resonates with young artists and creatives facing contemporary hardships, emphasizing the persistence required to sustain an artistic life. Over the lengthy writing process, she witnessed her own daughter develop a passion for music, a personal connection reflected in Maggie Corbin’s journey. Felts said the themes of artistic ambition, resilience, and self-discovery in *The Come Apart* are drawn from her own experiences and aim to offer encouragement to others pursuing creative paths despite obstacles.