3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, April 13, 2002
Feenin by Nane Quartay is a story which encompasses a modern day survival of
the fittest theme. The story which is set in Albany, New York follows the life
of Tokus Stone. Tokus is a young black man who was abandoned by his mother
when he was fourteen and left to raise and care for himself. Tokus survived
life on his own by becoming a street hustler. He sold drugs as a means
to an end and constantly dreamed of a life without illegal activity.
After Tokus graduated from high school, he went to college during the day while
maintaining his street hustle at night. He managed to avoid the long arm of
the law the whole time. However during the last night in his illegal trade, he
has an encounter that results in the death of an addict and a corrupt cop
picking up his trial. Tokus' encounter with "Five-O" changes his life at a
time when he thought he was doing the changing.
Feenin is a complicated tale that introduces several characters who are victims
of life's various injustices. The people are plagued with everything from drug
addiction to incest to greed. Many of these characters are introduced,
seemingly, abruptly, but if you hang in there with the story, things become
clearer. Where Tokus is the hero in this story, Way Jalon, a power hungry
millionaire racist is the villain. Before all is said and done, Tokus and Way
are engaged in an old fashioned good versus evil battle.
Nane Quartay writes well and makes good use of metaphors and description.
Sometimes the description becomes a little disturbing when you realize a drug
induced high is being described in vivid, colorful detail or that the
description is being used as social commentary. After reading the final words
of Feenin, I felt a sense of injustice and some of the cruel irony that runs as
an undercurrent throughout the novel. I can only wonder if that was the
author's intention.
Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFULLY DELICIOUS, June 26, 2003
This review is from: Feenin : A Novel (Paperback)
Edge of your seat reading from the first page. Nane Quartay came out with a bang and his writing style is magnificent. I read the book in 12 hours and could not put it down. We all probably know a Tokus somewhere in our life...and if you don't it is a possibility that your are witnessing one being made in front of your eyes. There is a lesson in the reading.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4.0 out of 5 stars
I recommend this book to you........., March 13, 2006
This review is from: Feenin : A Novel (Paperback)
Feenin is a story about drugs, violence, and life in the ghetto. It was very exciting to me to read. I have read many books but never one like it. At the beginning of the book it didn't catch my attention. At some point in the third chapter I got confused because the author introduced a new character with the name similar to the main character Tokus. I guess the author tried to make the book confusing for more excitement for the reader.
I have judgmental opinions about the book. This book makes you notice things that happen in everyday situation. The important theme of the book has to do with drugs and how it becomes deadly when people get addicted. The author Nane Quartay has different ways of expressing her thoughts. He uses strong language making the characters realistic as to everyday life in the ghetto. I fell that I can connect with the book because I see certain things that happen like people using drugs.
Tokus is the main character in the book. Tokus had a difficult childhood. In his teen years he was left to manage and care for himself. Tokus decided that he would sell drugs to support himself. Tokus later gradated high school and went off to college. Even though he went to college he still had his street hustle at night. The book continues to add new characters, making the book more exciting and having a twist to each chapter.
I enjoyed reading this book. I have always heard people saying that Feenin was a good book and a lot of people can relate to. The book had many surprises and twist which made more fun to read. I look forward to reading another book by Nane Quartay and hopefully it would be as good as Feenin. "If I had to pick a life it won't be the hardcore hustlers I once was" said Tokus. I recommend this book to all who enjoy strong and powerful books.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
