A review by jhbandcats
Rhode Island Red by Charlotte Carter

adventurous dark informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

Despite the strong character of Nanette, the tall sax busker with the shaved head, the story didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped. I found the machinations of the plot complicated, and parts relied too much on random coincidence. 

What I did like was Nanette’s sassy attitude, her willingness to admit her weaknesses, her fearlessness in solving intractable problems, and her fresh look at a life I’d never see because I’m unfamiliar with jazz, the racial aspects of the story (I’m a suburban white woman), and NYC. . 

I think I’d enjoy the next two in the series better now that I know what to expect. I was led to believe this was historical fiction so was jarred by references to Grace Jones, Kate Moss, and hiphop. I believe I’d have been much more appreciative had I not been given the wrong idea. 
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