The book was entertaining, though had annoying things. The most annoying being the number of times a new character was introduced. The first part was a nice baseball scene where over 30 names appeared. Only a few of them were mentioned again. Several Boston Police Department employees also were only mentioned once. It was hard to know if a character was going to be important or just a here today gone tomorrow thing. Another draw back was humor that I don't think was supposed to be funny. Nonetheless, I am reading another Dennis Lehane novel now.
2,909 members; 4.03 average rating; 2/2/2024 ( )

a slice of history with some tension and crime layered in.
Especially enjoyed the Babe ( )

Historical novel of Boston after WWII when times are tense and racism is rampant and everyone is afraid of anyone who appears to come from around Russia. It follows Danny Coughlin, policeman, who finds himself leading the policmen to join the AFL and go on strike. It also follow Luther Laurence a black man from Ohio who moves to Tulsa and gets caught up in a mob. He ends up killing the mob leader and running to Boston. He and Danny become good friends. A very good read.

Loved this. Loved the story, didn’t want to out it down. Wanted to know how it ended, but didn’t want to hurry.

One thing I especially liked was how the author handled the transition between Danny’s story and Luther. There was generally 3-4 chapters of each, which really developed the narrative for that character, and THEN you switch. And then it was great when they actually met one another - in Danny’s family home, and Luther is the houseman. They are so good together - so different and yet both so strong and smart (after they grow up of course).

For a story about Boston (and Tulsa) - the police force and unionization, suspected anarchists from Eastern Europe and Russia, awful race relations, a flu pandemic, plenty of violence - from about 1917-1921, you don’t really expect characters that develop, but they are there and they do. Makes it so much more interesting to read.

And an added bonus - the chapters from Babe Ruth’s perspective. Just one more person’s view of the dumpster fire. ( )

Couldn't finish this one. Barely got into it. Definitely not my cup of tea. Too much sports, too wordy.