1950s, the United States divided into better and worse. White and black. The former are free to do whatever they want, including self-righteousness, attacking, falling, and bullying. Whom? Of course, dark-skinned people who are treated solely by a different skin color are treated with the plague. And this one should be exterminated.
These were the times when Atticus Turner, a twenty-two-year-old ex-soldier and fan of science fiction, had to live and function. It is not easy for him – for the country that hates him he fought at the front, so he is even more stung in the eyes of the prevailing social injustice. But it is even more difficult to fit into these realities for his father Montrose, a stubborn man who fanatically searches for information about the past of Atticus’ mother. Just now, he has found a trail connected with her and sent his son by letter to his homeland only to prove his point once again.
Atticus does not expect that the expedition in the footsteps of the protector will turn into a dangerous game with higher forces, in which his entire circle will be involved.
Safe Negro’s Guide
In the described adventures of Atticus and his group, the theme of racism dominates, which may even overwhelm the reader at first. The heroes must hide, run and watch out for every word they use. White can go for everything, including the fact that they have a car, eat a banana or ask to be served in a specific restaurant. It was hard for me to read about it, because my level of empathy made me feel too much about the characters being portrayed. The writer perfectly presented how short-sighted, selfish and unjust people can be, what monsters we can be only because someone is different from us.
Excuse me, would you like to talk about the Ancients?
Matt Ruff’s book is not a horror film. I would describe it more as an adventure game with elements of fantasy. There are, of course, scenes that cause a slight thrill, but not so much that I would personally classify this publication as the aforementioned horror film.
Ruff described 8 adventures for us in which the Order of the Ancient Dawn does what it can to reach Atticus and use him for their purposes. However, not only the former soldier plays the main role in the stories, but – depending on the story – his father and uncle, aunt and even a friend from his youth also play a role. Unfortunately, the texts are of different levels and some of them, although stylistically written quite neatly, bored me cruelly with their plot. However, the characters created by the author definitely deserve a plus. Intelligent, resourceful and mostly conscious and sensible heroes are the strong point of this novel. An interesting game was also the juxtaposition of references to the work of a racist Lovecraft with black characters who manage to survive despite numerous problems. While mentioning the creator of Cthulhu himself, it is worth noting that reading this book does not require a detailed knowledge of this writer’s work. References are few and they are rather light, so on the one hand people unfamiliar with him will not feel overwhelmed (and maybe even learn something new), on the other hand committed fans may be disappointed.
Which is scarier: Jim Crow’s laws or mysterious paranormal forces?
Lovecraft Country was a hard reading for me. I do not regret the time devoted to it, but at the same time I am glad that it is already behind me. I was tired of this cruel world, so I must warn you that this is not a book for everyone and it is also worth looking at other opinions about it before you reach for it. I will definitely give up on the series based on it.
