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40 pages 1 hour read

Victor Lavalle

The Ballad of Black Tom

Victor LavalleFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Victor Lavalle

The Ballad of Black Tom

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1920s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle, Charles Thomas “Tommy” Tester, a young African American street hustler in 1924 Harlem, becomes entangled with the occult after delivering a magical book, leading to a partnership with the enigmatic Robert Suydam to awaken a devastating cosmic entity, while Detective Malone investigates the unfolding chaos from his perspective. The book includes themes of racism and violence.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

35,025 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle praise its adept blend of horror and social commentary. The novella reimagines H.P. Lovecraft's work, confronting and critiquing his racism. Readers appreciate its engaging narrative and atmospheric tension. Some find the pacing abrupt, but overall, it’s recognized as a thought-provoking and compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ballad of Black Tom?

Readers who enjoy The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle are often fans of dark fantasy and cosmic horror, particularly those who appreciate a modern twist on H.P. Lovecraft's themes. Comparable to Matt Ruff's Lovecraft Country and Neil Gaiman's works, this novella appeals to those seeking socially conscious horror wrapped in a gripping narrative.

4.1

35,025 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1920s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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