A review by lee_ann_a
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

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

5.0

 Fair warning before you dive into this gem of a historical fiction novel: It’s gritty and ugly.  It’s written mainly from the perspective of Mary Pat, a feisty as hell Irish-American woman living in public housing in 1970’s Boston, and it doesn’t hold back. Her thoughts, her prejudices, her general beliefs during that time period along with those around her -  it’s all there without any sort of politically correct modern day filter.  If you’re offended by the word “fuck,” or if it’s hard for you to stomach derogatory language for people of color, then this book may not be for you.  It’s rife with racism and a side of homophobia. But I applaud the author for taking the risk, and staying true to life at that time, and also giving us glimmers of how we are still struggling with a lot of the same issues.  The writing it raw and real and the characters are palpable.  I read an interview with the author who said, “My job is not to write to your safe space.” 

<i> “They keep us fighting among ourselves like dogs for table scraps so we won’t catch them making off with the feast.”</i> 

It’s the summer of 1974, its hot in the projects of South Boston, the schools are about to be integrated by mixing predominately Black and white school districts together, the mob is busy waging a war against the forthcoming desegregation, and Mary Pat’s daughter has gone missing.   Mary Pat is a multi-faceted character who has grown up with her fists swinging, using anger and violence to protect herself both physically and emotionally.  As the story of her missing daughter unfolds, she learns to slowly confront some of her long held beliefs about herself, life, and people of color, all while she tries to get to the bottom of where her child is. This is where we also gain the perspective of Bobby Coyne, a homicide detective, recovering addict, Vietnam Veteran and someone who becomes Mary Pat’s unlikely ally.  

This book is a deep dive into racism, power, the cycle of poverty, and how rage fueled one summer in the projects of Boston.  Five unapologetic stars 
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