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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I don't even know where to start with this book. It is equally parts a mystery and a history lesson. I was a little overwhelmed with this book. Knowing that the incidents in this story are very factual based on the time period, it was very hard to swallow at times.
I am not going to go into big detail about the plot and subplots in this story. Just know that everything in this book is connected with a result of the big picture at the end.
I loved getting to know the characters in this book. The relationships between white cops and the black cops is a big part of this story. The trust and mistrust between them is more than realistic than I could have imagined.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only drawback of this book is the tidbits of unnecessary information that drew the story out but had no insight to add to the story. Aside from that, this book was a good read.
I am not going to go into big detail about the plot and subplots in this story. Just know that everything in this book is connected with a result of the big picture at the end.
I loved getting to know the characters in this book. The relationships between white cops and the black cops is a big part of this story. The trust and mistrust between them is more than realistic than I could have imagined.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only drawback of this book is the tidbits of unnecessary information that drew the story out but had no insight to add to the story. Aside from that, this book was a good read.
Given the current political climate, this book was a perfect book to read.
This book is about two men who are cops during the 1950s. They are poc, so obviously that alone makes their job difficult and harder than that of a white cop. Yet, they are the heroes and ready to make their town safe for their families, friends, and others.
There is so much to be said on how well this book was written. How uncomfortable it made me feel but I kept reading because I needed to see justice served to those in power who kept the two men from doing their job.
I got the ending I wanted, but there was so much (good and bad) that came from it that I need to know how things are in book two. This is a strong start to a series and I hope that there will be more than two books.
A chance to pioneer a new idea tempered by the corruption that has long been prevalent in the community features in Darktown by Thomas Mullen.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
In 1948 the Atlanta Police Department try something unheard of by employing a group of black police officers. While these eight men aren't given full police authority or resources and are met with much open hostility, and sometimes violence, from their white counterparts, they endeavor to do the best that they can to uphold the law. With the murder of a black woman who was last seen with a drunk white man, much of the police force doesn't care to investigate too deeply into her death, expect for two of the black police officers who had been some of the last to see her alive. Unraveling the mystery of her murder uncovers more than they anticipated within the community and the white police officers.
A great read that develops the characters well and builds the mystery realistically throughout the narrative. The depiction of the corruption in the police force and politics, as well as the ways that racism was ingrained in society as a way to undermine efforts toward some modicum of equality in this novel was honest and raw, fostering thought and comparison with the unfortunate truth of how tense racial issues still resonate as a reality to this day. While there was some sloppy editing work on some of the logistical details, particularly in the last quarter of the book, it didn't detract too badly from the rest of the novel and the message it's conveying.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
In 1948 the Atlanta Police Department try something unheard of by employing a group of black police officers. While these eight men aren't given full police authority or resources and are met with much open hostility, and sometimes violence, from their white counterparts, they endeavor to do the best that they can to uphold the law. With the murder of a black woman who was last seen with a drunk white man, much of the police force doesn't care to investigate too deeply into her death, expect for two of the black police officers who had been some of the last to see her alive. Unraveling the mystery of her murder uncovers more than they anticipated within the community and the white police officers.
A great read that develops the characters well and builds the mystery realistically throughout the narrative. The depiction of the corruption in the police force and politics, as well as the ways that racism was ingrained in society as a way to undermine efforts toward some modicum of equality in this novel was honest and raw, fostering thought and comparison with the unfortunate truth of how tense racial issues still resonate as a reality to this day. While there was some sloppy editing work on some of the logistical details, particularly in the last quarter of the book, it didn't detract too badly from the rest of the novel and the message it's conveying.
I loved this. Darktown is a novel about a crime, and its investigation, set in 1948. The mystery was very engaging! Intertwined with the fictional crime story are the realities of African Americans, particularly African American police officers in the south during the 1940's. I loved following a great fictional story while hearing the sad truth about life as a colored person in Atlanta during this time. For those to enjoy audio, this narrator, Andre Holland, was fabulous.
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
dark
reflective
tense
4 ⭐️
It’s hard to truly love a book that’s full of racism and bigotry, but that’s the point of this story, isn’t it? The author does well with portraying the language and societal hardships of the time. That being said, sometimes the plot suffers and characters lack depth due to this atmospheric focus. Overall this book still has quite a story to tell. I would recommend it, but note that it can be slow at times.
It’s hard to truly love a book that’s full of racism and bigotry, but that’s the point of this story, isn’t it? The author does well with portraying the language and societal hardships of the time. That being said, sometimes the plot suffers and characters lack depth due to this atmospheric focus. Overall this book still has quite a story to tell. I would recommend it, but note that it can be slow at times.
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Picked this book back up after a previous DNF. Very interesting depiction of the time period, informative and compelling. This book left me with questions but not in a bad way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual violence
Fantastic.
This as bleak as you'd expect - and Mullen pulls no punches about social attitudes in late 1940s Atlanta.
It's a very well told story - deep and layered, clever and gripping.
Enjoyed it hugely.
This as bleak as you'd expect - and Mullen pulls no punches about social attitudes in late 1940s Atlanta.
It's a very well told story - deep and layered, clever and gripping.
Enjoyed it hugely.