Nathan McCall

A relatively little known author and title, Them caused quite a stir in our group this month. A large majority felt this ‘sleeper’ of a novel was amazingly well written with complex characters leading the under-dramatized plot to a recognised but heart-aching conclusion.
Barlowe Reed and his neighbouring folk had found a comfortable existence within the streets of Old Fourth Ward, and it is fair to say that their reaction to ‘whites’ moving in had its own racial taints. But as our discussion revealed, there was no thought or concern on the part of these new residents as to what a white invasion would do to the area. Historically, Caucasians have always considered their influence to be positive, and to be fair to Sandy, she did have the best intensions. But at no point did she really try to understand Barlowe and his position. It was always just a matter of acceptance and move on for her. Easy to do when you have never been denied anything due to who you are!
Barlowe himself was an interesting character. We believe that had he been able to articulate to Sandy, and others, what he felt and saw happening, things may have gone a little better. In the end, he had quite a regard for Sandy (if not for Sean) but the gulf was too wide and too many situations miss-read for the outcome to be anything other than what it was.
An honest look at cultural divides and the attitudes that keep us that way, this book is certainly not to everyone’s taste, but the surrounding discussion could not have been better, which should clearly put Them on all discerning bookclub lists.… (mehr)