40 pages • 1 hour read
The Ballad of Black Tom
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1920s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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
35,025 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
35,025 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
160
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1920s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.