| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Any Means Necessary,
By
This review is from: Hunting in Harlem: A Novel (Hardcover)
I must say I was impressed with Mat Johnson's latest novel, Hunting In Harlem. I had not read his debut novel, Drop, or any of the press releases surrounding his latest work, so I blindly opened the book and began reading. I soon found myself laughing aloud and engrossed by the author's clever imagination, mature writing style, and original characters. Johnson builds a story that is both interesting and thought provoking - a true challenge for a tough and controversial topic such as gentrification.Hunting In Harlem is the story of Horizon Realty's vision to revitalize Harlem one brownstone at a time; hoping to eventually return it to the booming community it once was during the Renaissance. The realty company is also a sponsor of the Second Chance Program and subsequently employs three ex-convicts as part of a real estate training program. Snowden (convicted of manslaughter for killing his father), Bobby (an arsonist), and Horus (a former gangbanger) are handpicked to participate in this prestigious, cutting edge, year-long program. As they study the ins-and-outs of real estate, they also perform extra assignments, such as clearing out Horizon apartments of tenants who happen to perish in freak accidents. The suspense begins when Snowden mentions the number of accidental deaths to his love interest who happens to be a reporter. She investigates and discovers a pattern which leads Snowden to confront his mentor. He soon learns that it is Horizon Realty's plan to dispose of "undesirables" (people who discredit Harlem) and is blackmailed into supporting their plot to meticulously remove the offenders (prostitutes, pick pockets, child abusers, drug dealers, etc). Conflict arises as the three convicts must determine how to handle the truth, come to terms with their direct involvement in the murders, and think of a way to escape blackmail. This book challenges the intellectual to revisit the classic debates surrounding "sacrifices for the greater good of society" and infamous "by any means necessary." Johnson also educates by sharing the history of Harlem and provides an explanation of how and why it is in its present condition. Throughout the book were subtle lessons in gentrification, discussion of the African-American socio-economic condition, and even a discussion of DuBois's Talented Tenth theory. These topics and other ethical dilemmas were skillfully crafted in the dialogue and thoughts of the colorful, strong, wacky characters. It can also be said that this novel is an examination on human nature as we follow the central characters' development and watch them wrestle with moral issues. This is an intriguing, suspenseful, well-written novel. The author's writing style, social messages, and storytelling ability makes this a book worth picking up. In the hands of others, this book would have been a disaster, but Johnson has mastered his own technique and it works really well. Be warned, this book is only for the serious reader. Phyllis
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and compelling,
By
This review is from: Hunting in Harlem: A Novel (Hardcover)
Wonderful characterization and page-turning plot. Mat Johnson's way with words makes the outrageous seem perfectly natural and the normal seem ridiculous. I enjoyed this book almost as much as his excellent first novel, 'Drop.'
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Some of the Best Fiction in Years,
By "packmac1" (White-Bread, Philly) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Hunting in Harlem: A Novel (Hardcover)
I've never been a fan of the mystery/thriller genre and this book encompases neither genre. What 'Hunting in Harlem' is is one of the strongest pieces of fiction writing/literature in the last 30 years. Johnson's novel is strong on characters who keep you pulleld into the book and you're very happy to stay there. What makes this novel so good is Johnson's ability to weave words with the ease of the Modernists and the grace of post-modern writers. Never one to hold himself above language, Johnson's second novel is nothing short of brilliant, and I say this after reading it 3 times. Can't wait for his next novel to come out...Get a move-on, Johnson!
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product).
|
|
|
