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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I personally do not like the way this is written. Quite a few sections from each chapter could be eliminated and the book would be better for it.
I just feel like this could be so much better than what it is.
I just feel like this could be so much better than what it is.
Actually, this novel deserves at least 4.5 stars. It was well paced, the main characters were well drawn. I learned a lot about a piece of twentieth century history - the very beginning of desegregation - that was new to me. Thomas Mullen helps the reader gain a feel for being in the shoes of the young policemen; handling themselves in situations where prejudice was an irresistible force, never-endingly having to navigate through hostility, trying to pursue worthwhile goals in the face of constant discouragement and misunderstanding. There's a lot to learn about character in this story. Recommended, definitely!
Well written story of 2 black police officers in Atlanta in 1948 and their interactions with white police officers, black and white suspects, institutional and personal racism,trying to solve a murder of a black woman. Very messy, with all the people involved, and there was a lot of violence, but sadly, it was quite believable, that people treated others so disrespectfully (and many still do)
I was looking forward to reading this book after hearing Thomas Mullen speak at Writers' Week and I was not disappointed. It's an absorbing page-turner with a thoughtful and plausible plot that explores the complex world of the post-war Jim Crowe South.Well-constructed plot, great characterisation and stylish writing.
I just finished reading "Darktown" by Thomas Mullen. It is a wonderfully told story of post WW II Atlanta, as The Atlanta Police Department has a pilot program to hire its first black officers. This is in Jim Crow South, and the officers are not allowed to arrest white suspects, drive squad cars, or set foot in the police headquarters.
While in the Army, in Texas, North Carolina, and Virginia, in 1962-1968, I noticed many of the things mentioned in the book. The prominent black officers are Boggs and Smith. The white officers featured are Dunlow (a racist cop) and Rakestraw, a young progressive cop. There is a murder of a young black girl, in a yellow dress, that will bring these policemen to a crisis of race relations and police corruption. It is an excellent narrative that truly captures the essence of those times. It will make for an excellent Book Club discussion.
-Bob K
While in the Army, in Texas, North Carolina, and Virginia, in 1962-1968, I noticed many of the things mentioned in the book. The prominent black officers are Boggs and Smith. The white officers featured are Dunlow (a racist cop) and Rakestraw, a young progressive cop. There is a murder of a young black girl, in a yellow dress, that will bring these policemen to a crisis of race relations and police corruption. It is an excellent narrative that truly captures the essence of those times. It will make for an excellent Book Club discussion.
-Bob K
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4 1/2 stars
loved the writing and how well developed the characters are, planning on reading the second in the series
loved the writing and how well developed the characters are, planning on reading the second in the series
I'm in awe with this book. But more than falling in love with the story and engaging plot with its varying twists, were the characters. So rich and full of depth. For me, it's always the character and how they navigate through the plot the author lays out before them. And this was done in such a masterful way. Additionally, it's very clear the author spent a lot of time and care with researching this time period and exploring the cultural climate, as well as the historical events. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I heard a rumor that Jamie Foxx is turning the book series into a TV show. I hope this is true. It's a story that must be heard -- by many. Well done, Mr. Mullen.
I heard a rumor that Jamie Foxx is turning the book series into a TV show. I hope this is true. It's a story that must be heard -- by many. Well done, Mr. Mullen.