Reviews with content warning for Racism - Fire Rush

i feel like it was privilege to read this book and get a glimpse of the black community and dub world of London in late 70s, which has led to some youtube trips to listen to the music genres mentioned to understand the picture better, especially how heavily the plot involves music. The last 20 pages were not my favourite ending at all, I could think of so many satisfying, some less pleasant, endings but considering how close this is to the author's experience it's not my story to change.

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biddibee's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful sad tense fast-paced

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

3.75

I think this was a really good book, and see how it could be 5 stars for some people, but not for me. There were aspects that I loved - the music, the otherworldly, but I found that the book didn't really hold my attention.

One thing that was odd god me was how quickly her re ationship developed with Moose without us seeing it. When he died I didn't really understand why she was *so* broken. Of course losing a partner would kill anyone but all the talk of their futures seemed odd to me because I didn't get the impression it was that serious.

I don't think relationships were written too well in general because I really wasn't impacted by any of them. I'd have loved the Irish traveller character to have nbe explored more.

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reflectiverambling_nalana's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense

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

3.25

There is absolutely a person out there who this work was made for, who it will resonate. I feel that deep in my bones. Sadly, I am not that person. I appreciate this story for its parts, for what it's trying to do. If consumed in its individual segments there is a lot to love. There is a high reliability to Yamaye's passion for dub as a tool for avoiding, of getting lost. I appreciate her lyricism. However, the gap between our experiences and time frames was a bit too distant for me to cling onto her emotionally as I really needed to and was not compensated by the overall writing.

I am fortunate to say I have not had to deal with the traumas experienced in the early life of Yamaye or that which happens in the course of this novel. As a white rural American woman I will never feel her experience of the world or her fears. Unfortunately, the mental blockades people who have had to live in worlds and around people that our lead character has creates this wall between me as a reader that I couldn't quite climb.

Personally I think the biggest issue hampering me from digging into this novel was the pacing. I feel the most successful parts of the novel were in her discovery of self with Moose, of her time in Jamaica. However her entire involvement with the underworld seemed to both fly by and drag on. I never quite felt what I needed to as she was drawn in. It was more of a crash than a spiral to her disillusionment. I was craving more suspense. A slow drowning. it also didn't help that I felt disconnected with how she got there in the first place circumstantially. I was never sure if it was random paranoia of the general conditions of the time, or if she really had a direct threat , and exactly how she was targeted for the events that occurred as up to that time she had herself been rather 'clean'.

I don't require tidy endings. I don't need full conclusions. But the story lines that actually made me feel invested gave way to what was the weaker side plot and invested the remainder of the book in a crash of a finale for that particular chapter of her life.

For all my disconnect, I do absolutely recognize the importance. I appreciate the pieces of history and the snapshot of a culture. I wanted more of Yamaye discovering herself creatively. i wanted her to crack open her feelings and find her absolution in her music, forge her path that way. There are hints of that. And much of her progression does happen through these moments she steals. But I can't help but feel she also lost just as much of herself to them as well.

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beriboo's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

"Fire Rush" by Jacqueline Crooks is an exquisite tapestry of storytelling that immerses readers in the vibrant world of Jamaican culture and the diaspora in 1970s England, pulsating with life, love, and the fire within. Crooks weaves a narrative that dances between history, culture, and the deeply personal, creating a mesmerising literary experience.

One of the book's standout strengths is Crooks' mastery in the art of character description. Each character in "Fire Rush" is vividly brought to life, with a level of detail that makes them feel like old friends or terrifying threats. The nuances of their personalities, desires, and struggles are so meticulously portrayed that you can almost hear their voices and feel their presence. Even for those characters that are the "villains" in the story, Crooks' ability to write such depth to these characters results in an understanding towards their behaviour, even though you hold a strong feeling of dislike.

At the heart of the story is the remarkable main character, Yamaye. Crooks not only crafts a protagonist but a living, breathing soul. The love for Yamaye is palpable throughout the narrative, as the author skillfully delves into her innermost thoughts and emotions. You don't just read about Yamaye; you feel her joys, sorrows, and triumphs as if they were your own. The connection with her is so profound that you can't help but root for her at every twist and turn.

One of the most captivating aspects of "Fire Rush" is the use of patois in the prose. Crooks seamlessly incorporates the Jamaican patois into the dialogue and narration, adding an authentic and rhythmic layer to the narrative. This linguistic choice not only enhances the cultural richness of the story but also immerses the reader more deeply into the characters' lives. The patois becomes a vibrant and expressive tool, capturing the cadence of everyday life and enriching the narrative with the true essence of Jamaican culture.

The prose in "Fire Rush" is nothing short of poetic. Crooks employs a lyrical and rhythmic style that elevates the narrative to a sensory experience. The words flow with an almost musical quality, enhancing the reader's immersion into the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture and history. The beauty of the prose lies not only in what is said but in how it is said, evoking emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.

However, the story falls just shy of a perfect 5-star rating due to the inclusion of some instances of sexual violence halfway through the book. While not pervasive, these scenes were personally unsettling, and they affected my overall enjoyment of an otherwise beautifully crafted narrative. This is, of course, a subjective response, but it is worth noting for readers who may share similar sensitivities.

In conclusion, "Fire Rush" is a triumph in storytelling. Jacqueline Crooks has crafted a narrative that not only paints a vivid picture of Jamaica but also captures the essence of the human spirit. With characters that leap off the page, a protagonist who becomes a cherished companion, and prose that dances with grace, "Fire Rush" is a literary gem that will leave readers yearning for more.

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cuppa_t's review

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

After someone close to Yamaye is murdered in police custody, she finds herself under scrutiny and in need of escape. She travels, constantly running from people and past while chasing sounds and dub rhythms.

Fire Rush is a beautifully written book filled with poetic gems of prose. If you’re looking for a character-led story, you’ll find Fire Rush absolutely phenomenal. Crooks' descriptions of personalities, relationships and emotions are second to none. Yamaye’s relationship with music is hypnotic. Every time the story shifts location, you are there with her.

However, as it is entirely character-led, I felt like at least four main plots were only taken halfway; the book ended because the character arc had been completed, rather than the plot coming full circle. I understand that this may be because it is semi-autobiographical, but a few loose ends were left too loose for me, particularly the plotline regarding her mother; I would love to read a version of this book where that was resolved.

Overall, it was a beautiful read but not as compelling as I had hoped.

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