Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile (recovering from an arm injury; on a short review-writing break)'s Reviews > A Calamity of Souls
A Calamity of Souls
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Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile (recovering from an arm injury; on a short review-writing break)'s review
bookshelves: arc-widget, netgalley-arc, favorites, 2024-favorite-reads
Apr 14, 2024
bookshelves: arc-widget, netgalley-arc, favorites, 2024-favorite-reads
“Maybe in a millennium, if the human race is still around, they might look back at this time and wonder how people could be so. . .cruel and wrong.”
Set in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci revolves around a racially charged murder case and the lawyers representing the young Black man, a Vietnam War veteran, accused of murdering the affluent white couple who were his employers.
Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer.
A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another.
Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel.
David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC.
Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Set in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci revolves around a racially charged murder case and the lawyers representing the young Black man, a Vietnam War veteran, accused of murdering the affluent white couple who were his employers.
Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer.
A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another.
Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel.
David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC.
Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
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April 14, 2024
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April 14, 2024
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Comments Showing 1-49 of 49 (49 new)
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message 1:
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Jonathan
(new)
Apr 15, 2024 10:38AM
Since you enjoyed this story from the south, I'd recommend you look at Greg Iles, an under the radar mystery author who lives in Natchez, MS. I've read nearly every book he's written which is saying something since mystery/crime stories are low on my list
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I look forward to your thoughts, Sujoya. I have this on my TBR after seeing another five star review of it. 🤗💕
Thank you for your review Sujoya! I thought this was his regular fare. I am interested in those themes. Fab review.
Terrific review, Sujoya! I will be starting this in the next week or so and I'm really looking forward to it!
Jonathan wrote: "Since you enjoyed this story from the south, I'd recommend you look at Greg Iles, an under the radar mystery author who lives in Natchez, MS. I've read nearly every book he's written which is sayin..."
Thank you, Jonathan! 😊The Natchez Burning series is on my TBR and seeing you enjoyed it so much makes me eager to get a start on it.
Thank you, Jonathan! 😊The Natchez Burning series is on my TBR and seeing you enjoyed it so much makes me eager to get a start on it.
Shelley's Book Nook wrote: "I look forward to your thoughts, Sujoya. I have this on my TBR after seeing another five star review of it. 🤗💕"
I LOVED this one, Shelley! If you enjoy courtroom drama / literary fiction this is a must-read! 😊
I LOVED this one, Shelley! If you enjoy courtroom drama / literary fiction this is a must-read! 😊
Canadian Jen wrote: "I really do need to check out Baldacci! Such a great, stormy cover. Nice review, Sujoya!"
Thank you, Jen!😊 This one was different from the author’s other series but I loved it!
Thank you, Jen!😊 This one was different from the author’s other series but I loved it!
Heather Adores Books wrote: "Good ole Baldacci! Fab review, Sujoya!"
Baldacci does not disappoint! Thank you, Heather!😊
Baldacci does not disappoint! Thank you, Heather!😊
Srivalli wrote: "Wonderful review, Sujoya! I love when author's notes enhance the book."
Thank you, Srivalli!😊 A well written note certainly makes a big difference, especially when the story is set in a historically significant time period.
Thank you, Srivalli!😊 A well written note certainly makes a big difference, especially when the story is set in a historically significant time period.
Barbara wrote: "Thank you for your review Sujoya! I thought this was his regular fare. I am interested in those themes. Fab review."
Thatnk you, Barbara!😊 This one was a departure from his usual fare.
Thatnk you, Barbara!😊 This one was a departure from his usual fare.
Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus] wrote: "Terrific review, Sujoya! I will be starting this in the next week or so and I'm really looking forward to it!"
Thank you, Terence!😊 Happy Reading!
Thank you, Terence!😊 Happy Reading!
Rosh wrote: "Wonderful review, Sujoya! This one definitely appeals to me. :)"
Many thanks, Rosh!😊 I couldn't recommend this one enough!
Many thanks, Rosh!😊 I couldn't recommend this one enough!
Jill wrote: "Nice review, Sujoya. I can’t wait to read this."
Thank you, Jill!😊 Hope you like it too!
Thank you, Jill!😊 Hope you like it too!
Dorie - Cats&Books :) wrote: "great review, I loved this one!"
Thank you, Dorie!😊 I'm glad this was a good read for the both of us!
Thank you, Dorie!😊 I'm glad this was a good read for the both of us!
s.penkevich wrote: "Lovely review! I've not read a Baldacci book (yet) but this has convinced me I need to try one!"
Thank you, S! 😊 This is a departure from the author’s regular fare. If you're a fan of action thrillers you can try any of his series but if you prefer deeper stories, I couldn't recommend this one enough.
Thank you, S! 😊 This is a departure from the author’s regular fare. If you're a fan of action thrillers you can try any of his series but if you prefer deeper stories, I couldn't recommend this one enough.
message 33:
by
Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile (recovering from
(last edited Apr 28, 2024 07:19AM)
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Jonathan wrote: "One of the better mystery authors and glad it was a home run"
Thank you, Jonathan!😊 This book is probably one of the author’s best.
Thank you, Jonathan!😊 This book is probably one of the author’s best.
Darla wrote: "It is telling that you have ordered a copy for your personal library. A brilliant review, Sujoya."
Thank you, Darla!😊 This is going on my list of favorites by this author!
Thank you, Darla!😊 This is going on my list of favorites by this author!
Superb review, Sujoya! I love Baldacci. I know this will not be an over-hyped book like many this year, and I am excited to read my copy to add to my personal David Baldacci collection.
message 40:
by
Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile (recovering from
(last edited Jun 10, 2024 07:06AM)
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Tara (on semi hiatus through mid- June) wrote: "Superb review, Sujoya! I love Baldacci. I know this will not be an over-hyped book like many this year, and I am excited to read my copy to add to my personal David Baldacci collection."
Thank you so much, Tara!😊 I eagerly await your thoughts on this gem of a book!
Thank you so much, Tara!😊 I eagerly await your thoughts on this gem of a book!
Dragonladymoi wrote: "An insightful and extremely well written review, Sujoya. I appreciate reading your words."
Thank you for your kind words!😊
Thank you for your kind words!😊
This novel should be on the summer reading list of every high school prior to their course on American History.
Karen wrote: "This novel should be on the summer reading list of every high school prior to their course on American History."
I couldn't agree more!
I couldn't agree more!
Karen wrote: "This novel should be on the summer reading list of every high school prior to their course on American History."
I agree, Karen! 🙂
I agree, Karen! 🙂
Karen wrote: "Excellent review as always, Sujoya. I loved this one, too! 🥰"
Thank you kindly, Karen!😊 I'm glad this was a winner for you too!
Thank you kindly, Karen!😊 I'm glad this was a winner for you too!