The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I LOVED this book. Nothing better than a good novella, especially one as creepy as The Ballad of Black Tom. Lots of shady characters, creepy houses, with a touch of gore thrown in. Found this book through an author interview on Fresh Air with Terry Gross. The novel is meant to be the author’s attempt to reconcile himself with his admiration for H.P. Lovecraft who was a racist. I don’t know which character was meant to represent Lovecraft as I know absolutely nothing about him. Allegories aside, the book stands on its own as chilling piece of horror with a touch of Social Justice thrown in. Loved the descriptions of Harlem. I was moved by the protagonist’s story despite eerie overtones. Perfect for a dark and stormy night.
Everything Tony Correia 