Robert M. (shotokanchef) reviewed on 11/25/2009 + 813 more book reviews

As in his other novels, this is straightforward writing: no hidden agendas, or philosophical asides. This makes it read easily in one or two sittings: a good weekend read. In 1940s rural Louisiana, a young black man is caught up in a robbery gone sour: three men are killed as he watches. A white judiciary and jury convict him of murder. A white governor sentences him to death. The local teacher is cajoled by his aunt (and others) to help him to face the ordeal. In some ways it pits the academic against the theologian and both attempt to prepare him. Is he guilty? Not of the murders! We, of course, are privy to this in the opening chapter. But, justice as it was, someone must pay. Why not the ones with the guns (one black, one white)? Well, they're dead as doornails! Don't look for a hero to step forward and intervene in the name of âtrue justice.â There wasn't any! But observe the attitudes of the encompassing characters; it may leave you somewhat ambivalent as to their true character.

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