Book 8: Hejira Summary

Kathleen's diary begins on February 29, 1918 in New York City. She is in love with her life and feels an intense burning to sing. Kathleen refers to her voice teacher as Herr Blutwurst, who says there is much work to be done to improve her singing. In mid-April Kathleen sneaks out at midnight and goes to Harlem, where the streets are bustling with activity. She longs to go inside the clubs so she can hear the music. The Kaiser brings in an accompanist, Miss Rose Lacroix, a young black woman who plays her own compositions in her free time. He sets up a November audition for Kathleen with the head of the Metropolitan Opera. He tells her that if she is lucky she will get a place in the Met chorus.

After she has been in New York for a few months...