Reviews

Decent People by De'Shawn Charles Winslow

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85tarheel's review against another edition

4.0

“And if you worried ’bout what folk say and think, you might as well stop because you can’t win with people”, thinks Jo Wright near the end of this novel. The story takes place in West Mills, NC (likely a stand-in for Elizabeth City) and involves Jo moving back to her home town from New York City to retire and marry a childhood sweetheart. I was totally immersed in the story and loved the way Jo navigated the dangerous waters of a small town. We are given other perspectives in the book and they help to show why certain people are acting certain ways, but it can be a bit wearying to deal with the destructive level of gossip. In the end, you have to choose finding “company with people who showed true compassion” or else you will just drown. I greatly enjoyed the sense of place and loved the spirit of Jo and that made this an enjoyable and engrossing read.

jennikreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

gypsynyx91's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

pinkbuttafly200's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

locdbooktician's review

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challenging dark emotional medium-paced

4.0

They were so many things I liked about this book and frustrated me. I was frustrated with the white folks in the books as I know their actions mirrors real life.

momankara's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed the characters and the pace of the novel, slow like the small town it was set in. The whole murder mystery needed better resolution, and the book basically just ended. That being said, I would enjoy another trip to West Mills, and I enjoy the company of its women. I think this author has a lot of potential.