The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 6 April 1998
by Chester Himes
In the war economy of Los Angeles, vast numbers of migrant workers from around the country found work in the overwhelmed shipyards down in Long Beach. This is the story of Bob Jones, an African-American worker who has managed to work his way up into the position of leader over a small group of workers, one step below foreman. Despite the oppressive racism of 1940s Los Angeles, he has made a comfortable niche for himself, with his job, a new car, and a beautiful girlfriend. Nevertheless, that racism is cause for obsessive and violent reactions in Jones. Despite his ability to make a life for himself, he justifiably resents the constant reminders of white dominance in his society. Jones reacts by lashing out at the world around him, and it repays him in violence, but in surprising mercy as well. This is a dark book, full of potent discussion of American democratic racism. As much a historical document as a literary one, it is eminently readable, powerful, and memorable.
Also by Himes: [The End of a Primitive] [The Real Cool Killers]