Wow, I just finished this sprawling epic and I am amazed. For those who are into historical fiction and books with a large scope of events, this one is it.
A plot line I pulled from Dennis’ website.
“Set in Boston at the end of the First World War, bestselling author Dennis Lehane’s extraordinary eighth novel unflinchingly captures the political and social unrest of a nation caught at the crossroads where past meets future. Filled with a cast of richly drawn, unforgettable characters, The Given Day tells the story of two families—one black, one white—swept up in a maelstrom of revolutionaries and anarchists, immigrants and ward bosses, Brahmins and ordinary citizens, all engaged in a battle for survival and power. Coursing through the pivotal events of a turbulent epoch, it explores the crippling violence and irrepressible exuberance of a country at war with, and in the thrall of, itself. “
The book contains a big plot line about the Boston Police potentially going on strike. Deals with themes there such as the working man getting robbed, wanting cost of living wages, “the man” screwing people over.
It goes into prejudices, racism, and class affecting people’s judgements. How families can be torn apart but still love each other at the same time. There is unrequited love and how the idea of the one that got away can gnaw at someone.
Lehane goes into power and tips how facist ideals spread. Of course, very relevant now. There’s an also the Spanish flu which occurs which of course is relevant as well with talk of masks mitigating spread.
It’s got a wide scope in terms of its characters and story. There are morally grey characters but you ultimately root for your protagonists. The villain Eddie McKenna reminded me of Dudley Smith from James Ellroy’s LA Quartet. Although truth be told, many of the forces in the book are deemed to be villainous such as high ranking government.
Babe Ruth even makes appearances in the books while as a Red Sox player who wants his money! Young J Edgar Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, and a couple other historic references to real life people are made as well.
Beyond these themes, Lehane himself is just a great writer. Amazing dialogue, juggles the many subplots well, and has a sharp sense of writing.
So if you’re looking for a great book, especially one that’s epic and deals with the history of Boston in the early 20th century, boy do I have a recommendation for you. This really was an amazing book.
by maistb7