Reviews

Red Baker by Robert Ward, Michael Connelly

menfrommarrs's review

2.0

So twenty-five years later nothing has changed.

Families and friendships are torn asunder under the stress of unemployment.

If you or someone you know is currently desperately seeking a way to “keep it together”, I think you will find this book to be depressingly truthful.

I would rather read to escape.

jakewritesbooks's review

4.0

Recently, I read an Ann Tyler book for the first time. While she uses Baltimore, it's more as a backdrop for a family drama. Whereas Red Baker is blue collar Baltimore down to its loving, gritty soul. The city comes alive in a way that is difficult to do for many writers in that it's not a display for tourists but a functional character, one that exalts and drags down the protagonist (or anti-hero, whatever). Those familiar with the decline of blue collar labor in Baltimore, especially w/r/t the steel mills can relate and Robert Ward captures it in all of its kitschy, loving, racist, damaged glory. A must read if you're a native.