Nilesh Jasani's Reviews > A Calamity of Souls

"A Calamity of Souls" by David Baldacci is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the heart of racial injustice in the 1960s United States. The novel is a powerful exploration of the complexities of race relations and the legal system during a time of great social upheaval.

The book shows how Mr. Baldacci can be far more than just a regular potboiler writer (and this reviewer loves him for that, too). What makes it stand out is the author’s ability to tell a story that, while not at all new, feels so lovable, moving, and relevant. As always, the writing is engaging and thought-provoking, but this time drawing readers into the world of 1960s Virginia and the struggle for racial justice. The characters are well-developed with their own personal histories; they may be largely one-dimensional, but the author has a way of throwing a few surprises for a handful of them with the side tales.

Of course, the author is not known for his courtroom dramas. Here, too, he takes upon something that is mastered by some great writers and in a field where finding anything new is not for the novice. The author still comes up with the Trumps through the ways in which he uses a series of small victories, uplifting legal debate moments, and minor mysteries to keep his underdogs going and the readers warm.

In raising important questions about racial justice and the role of the legal system in perpetuating inequality, the book is bound to win the hearts of most, particularly when dealing with difficult topics is not what one expects in the author’s books. With his star power, Baldacci has the ability to take these issues to a far wider audience.

Overall, the story – which will always remind readers of other works or tv shows - moves beautifully, with great characters and intriguing events to create a highly readable, thoughtful legal, crime, suspense drama.