Reviews with content warning for Police brutality - The Ballad of Black Tom

Well written, atmospheric, disturbing, and gripping. The Ballad of Black Tom features strong character development in not a lot of pages and articulates social commentary without the story feeling weighted down by it. This was my first Victor LaValle and I definitely look forward to reading more.

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dosxhime's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

Amazing, amazing. The writing and the plot was so perfect and atmospheric for this month of October. I will definitely reading more books by this author. I literally goobled the Ballad of Black Tom and I didn't regret a single minute. Highly recommended for a quick, thrilling read!

4.5 / 5 A

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louisallama's review

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challenging dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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loyddl's review

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

4.5

A nice book with mostly short chapters, you’ll be able to get through this one pretty quick. It did take me a minute to get into but I did enjoy it, especially as the book picked up in the second half. My one gripe is that the book changes perspective’s half way through. It would have been so interesting to read from the main character’s point of view (Tommy) instead of a side character in the more tense moments. Or at least see Tommy’s thought process leading up to the climax. If the book was a little longer it could have delved further into Tommy’s character arch while splitting the perspectives. But as it is, the book is still an enjoyable read.

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