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pn_hinton 's review for:

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle
5.0

This short book packs quite a punch and I have to admit I was a bit floored by it. My only complaint was that it had a slow start, at least for me. A lot of that was due to the author's engaging language and how he wanted to set the story up. I wouldn't say it was bogged down with too many details since those were necessary but it still made for a rough start for me. Once I got going though I couldn't put it down. I think once it snagged me I ended up finishing it in one night, which may not be a big deal because it's a novella but I do have other obligations and responsibilities that sometimes keep me from reading. With this story though I didn't care and had to finish it. Nevermind that the horror aspect of it made it a little difficult for me to fall asleep that night.

I haven't read a lot of Lovecraft so I feel like most of the subtle nods to him went over my head. But that didn't take away from the enjoyment of it and isn't required to read it. The ending was shocking but some aspects of it were satisfying. I would recommend this for a rainy evening at home with a glass of your preferred beverage; although you might want to have a light literary chaser after you finish.