If you’ve been tuned into this blog, you know your girl isn’t really into thrillers. Outside of Harlan Coben’s world, I’ve yet to allow myself to get into any. Dare I say, not even James Patterson. Yes, I’ve seen several movies based off books in the genre but listen… ya girl likes spice and romance, so it is what it is.
What I will say is that while this book wasn’t what I expected on any front, Alyssa Cole managed to blend social justice commentary with suspense. The book follows Sydney Green, a Black woman dealing with deeply personal loss, trying to keep her childhood home from being stolen from under her AND trying to honor the rich history of her fictional Brooklyn neighborhood. Rapid “revitalization” is happening all around her as lifelong neighbors vanish only to be replaced by newcomers with no regard for the neighborhood’s rich history and culture.
Theo is initially seen as one of those newcomers but eventually becomes an ally. Watching him dismantle his own biases gives a complex and compelling look at what it’s like for someone on the inside, looking out. Cole not only positions gentrification as the villain in this story but also shows full circle the damage that white supremacy and systemic racism reek on Black and brown communities. She shows the breadth and depth of anxiety and fear of displacement in a visceral way. While listening to this one, I felt trapped in her reflection of how easily history is whitewashed and Black people are erased from the very spaces they’ve built. What’s even more gut wrenching, is the fact that this is done in plain sight.
There were subtle hints that dropped throughout which made me take notice of the fact that the author wanted the reader to be suspicious of Theo’s motives and see him as one of the bad guys. Yet at the same time show his own imperfections which somewhat separated him from the culprits. The “OurHood” app alerts had me trippin throughout the book. These people were blatantly racist and speaking in code in attempt to cover up something even more sinister.
As I found out at our first Books and Bites book club meeting, this book was the ultimate conversation starter. While the book itself is political, it felt personal which made us reflect on our own environments and experiences. Listen, Cole had gaslighting, gentrification and distrust of the medical system in Black communities happening at once, so it was a lot to think about.
I do feel that it took entirely too long for the “thriller” aspect to kick in so I would categorize this one as suspense instead. I also feel that the Sydney/Theo intimacy was unnecessary and added nothing to the story itself. I’m torn in my overall feelings because at times the book did entirely too much but did effectively blend social justice and suspense making it a decent read.
Have you read this one? If so, did one character resonate with you more than the others?
TW: racism, displacement, gaslighting, trauma, PTSD systemic violence
Rating: Cole could’ve skipped the unnecessary romance, but this was a solid suspense read that hits way too close to home.
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Dear Black Grl 