A review by saintgroovy
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is a gut-punch in the best of ways. Wrapping racially motivated violence with the occult and the most bittersweet stories of apocalyptic revenge, The Ballad of Black Tom was an experience I’m glad to have had. In the end, you can only see yourself how much Charles Thomas Tester has lost at the hands of violently bigoted white cops, and ask yourself what’s sweeter: avenging your family or escaping with your soul.
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