Quakertown by Lee Martin is a novel about racial issues in 1920s Texas. It is loosely based on a real story. Lee Martin did not receive any awards for this book, but has received several both before and afterwards.
Started: 7/1/2011
Completed: 7/5/2011
Recommendation: Very well written, but very sad
Recommended By: I saw this book on the shelves of Vertigo as it closed. It just called to me. I'm a tad put off as some friends borrowed it and said it was quite sad.
Words I Looked Up:
chifforobe -- a combination of a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.
Review:
This is a poignant heart-rending story of racial discord in 1920s Texas. The perspective of the story shifts almost constantly from character to character and the seamless, but distinct transitions are a testament to the author's ability to create characters that are both believable and have their own voices. The sadness that punctuates the lives throughout this story is difficult every step of the way. The characters seem to be defined by their hard times, although there are a few good times that manage to help elucidate the nature of a character or two. The interaction of the main characters is frequent and occasionally surprising: From children's games to hidden meetings in a theater to murder each interaction is starkly distinct from the surrounding background and the author uses these vignettes to move the plot line forward. I enjoyed the book despite the sadness and found the book well worth the read.
No comments:
Post a Comment