Small Mercies

This is not a “happy” read but it may be my favorite read of the year so far. Set in Boston 1974, it follows Mary Pat's search for her missing daughter. The desegregating of the Boston school is at its beginning and Southie is caught up in battling the busing of its teenagers to schools in other neighborhoods. Jules has gone missing at the same time as a young black teen has died in a train station in Southie.

Lehane does a great job of showing what was happening at the time. I was really impressed with Lehane's style and how he brought Mary Pat to life. Very good read. (Not a easy read but so good)

A vivid, intense, yet soulful story of community, bigotry, the fierce love of kin - all set against a historical moment in the streets of Boston and the wider U.S. On one level it's a mystery and a story of retribution. Yet, there's layers of thoughtful characterization, insightful description of place and time plus a stark reminder that hatred and violence still fester in the tightest knit of communities.

Gonna make a great movie.