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jhbandcats 's review for:
Darktown
by Thomas Mullen
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was my second time reading Darktown, and it’s just as good as the first time. I’d forgotten how horrific the story was - I *knew* it was horrific but it’s different when the words and images are right there. In fact, I found it so upsetting that I almost quit reading it because it was too much for me. The book is excellent and I can’t recommend it enough but it’s so painful.
Darktown is a fictionalization of the first Black cops in Atlanta and the racism and hatred they experienced. The humiliations are endless; they’re powerless but are lauded by the Black community as being the first of a new era. The Blacks in Atlanta keep expecting more and more from the rookie cops, not realizing the indignity they endure on a regular basis.
The novel is well-written with lots of detail that’s clearly based on in-depth research. The characters are fleshed out with nuance and self-doubt, aware that someday - maybe - things will get better for Black people but doubtful all the same.
This is the first of a series - the next two are equally good.
Darktown is a fictionalization of the first Black cops in Atlanta and the racism and hatred they experienced. The humiliations are endless; they’re powerless but are lauded by the Black community as being the first of a new era. The Blacks in Atlanta keep expecting more and more from the rookie cops, not realizing the indignity they endure on a regular basis.
The novel is well-written with lots of detail that’s clearly based on in-depth research. The characters are fleshed out with nuance and self-doubt, aware that someday - maybe - things will get better for Black people but doubtful all the same.
This is the first of a series - the next two are equally good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol