Reviews with content warning for Racism - The Ballad of Black Tom

Victor Lavalle is one of the most exciting contemporary authors in horror. The Ballard Of Black Tom is an ingenious reframing of a Lovecraft story centering and told from the perspective of an African American character. And in my opinion, this revision is far superior to anything Lovecraft, a virulent racist, ever wrote. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Content Warnings

finchthearcher's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

3.25

Content Warnings

orizenda's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

I rly liked this but ig I just don’t care about lovecraft type stuff. and i know next to nothing abt the lord anyway. but like what a way to critique racism in america. excited to read more by LaValle

Content Warnings

bkwrm1317's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Another great read by LaValle.

Jazz Age NYC (Harlem, Queens, and Brooklyn esp) Black man in his early 20s just trying to get by without breaking his body gets roped into a job that changes everything, and everyone, around him. Sorcery, things that wait in the deep, and corrupt white cops will keep readers on edge in this cosmic horror novella.

Content Warnings