THE MAN WHO CAME UPTOWN

I am a Pelacanos fan although I feel his books have dipped as he has done more work for films and TV. I liked the story but disappointed with the book. It was no more than a novelette or padded short story to be honest and I never really was absorbed by the characters who we seemed to flit to and then flit away, I don't think any other author could have got away with doing that. It is fortunate that Pelacanos is such a descriptive writer and always makes you feel as if you know the location so well but it could have done with another 200+ pages in my opinion, 259 is way too short.

A strange mix here of a standard crime novel with something more meditative. Pelecanos blends the story of a couple of good guys dispensing their own brand of justice to pimps and other low-life, with the tale of Michael Hudson, who comes out of prison and wants to go straight. The lives of these characters collide - and a sense of unease that something bad is going to happen is skilfully ratcheted up by Pelecanos as the story hurtles towards a violent conclusion. The book is excellent on the power of literacy to change lives - Hudson discovers the joys of reading, and Pelecanos is brilliant at explaining the magic of stories and the way this can unlock and change lives. The parts of the book featuring the prison book club choices and the associated discussions are very well-done.

Pelecanos is definitely amongst the elite in hard boiled American crime writers. His are not the stories filled with violence and mayhem. His books are well constructed stories with the focus on the characters he creates and the environment in which he places them. Washington is the tough town and the people who make up this novel walk a thin line between law abiding and criminality. Hudson is young man recently released from prison with a love of books and a determination to build a life for himself. He crosses paths with two men with links to pass enforcement but a sideline in robbing bad guys. A slow burning story, completely engrossing. Loved it.

I made myself wait until Saturday. It was difficult but I did it and set aside some time to begin another journey into Pelecanos' DC. I have now finished and feel slightly bereft: it's another wonderful, emotive story but over too soon. I love how Mr Pelecanos draws the reader into a city I have never visited but feel I know, into the lives of people with flaws and hopes- real people. Love this book, who wouldn't?

This author is rarely anything but excellent. He has a very recognisable style which I suspect readers either like or do not. I most certainly do and this book was no exception. I agree it could have been longer, but I think that of all GP novels as I’ m sorry when I finish them. Like other reviewers, I enjoyed the development of the prison reading club and how books change those who read them. A great concept for an author! I also found that the sense of unease built up through the latter half of this book and the suspense was quite marked, set against some quite mundane events. This worked for me as I do think extraordinary events do occur while the everyday is plodding along. Well observed and imagined in this case. I really enjoyed it but then, I’ve not yet a disappointing book by George P, one of my favourites without a doubt.