A review by andrewspink
The Narrows by Ann Petry

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

We are reading this book in our book club because it has been recently translated in Duch. When Isaw that it was a book originally written in the 50s, I did wonder if it might not be a little dull and old-fashioned. I could not have been more wrong! 
The book is very well written, with interesting, complex characters and a tense plot. The plot is not surprising, it moves with a sort of dreadful inevitability towards its end, but that is done in such a compelling way that the reader is carried along. The book is long, but certainly not too long.
How relevant is it still today? It is clear that America is still gripped by racism, so even if the details are different, that is still a very powerfuil theme. What was also interesting was the central role that the media takes in the story. Although the media landscape is very different today, the book shows every so clearly how presenting certain 'facts' in a particular way can manipulate the way that people think about an issue. 
In the end, it is the vividness of the writing, especially describing the characters that makes it so good.