A review by drsldn
Back to Blood by Tom Wolfe

2.0

One of the most annoying books I have read in a long time. I bought it because of the cover (the font reminded me of Bifur, one of my favourite fonts); because it is set in Miami (and I am on a bit of a Miami jag because of Dexter); because it purports to be about the art world; because it explores complex racial tensions and because I remember being swept up by Bonfire of the Vanities back in the day. It took ages to start, the art stuff was clever, and true enough I think, and I learnt a lot more about different communities in America, but I had obviously forgotten just how much Tom Wolfe indulges in words for effect, usually a stylistic device I enjoy but this was just ... annoying , because it got in the way of the story and the themes (and yes, the way the words are used conveys some of the themes but it got in the way of everything else.) Still a great cover though!