A gritty, urban novel set in New York's Red Hook (old dock area of Brooklyn) full of slang, attitude and degenerate characters but also integrity and courage, family bonds, a beautiful sense of atmosphere and best of all an intriguing mystery that draws local characters and local issues together. Language is sparse and natural and nothing over-explained. There is a rather superfluous supernatural element, but minor and not intrusive. Satisfying and compulsive reading.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 77 Summer 2015 ) |