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pilebythebed's review against another edition
5.0
Ryan Gattis came to prominence with his 2015 novel All Involved, an exploration of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots from a range of points of view. Gattis returns to that time in his latest novel The System, set a year later and with a different angle. As Gattis makes clear in the opening, his intention is to explore the American justice system from the crime through arrest, detention and the court system. Again, he does this through a range of points of view. But this is more than just an exploration of that system, it is a meditation on its self-perpetuating nature, how greater adherence to “the system” makes the system worse.
Even before the prologue, Gattis sets out his intent – to explore a single crime – “those accused of it, those who witnessed it, the law enforcement who investigated it, the lawyers who prosecuted and defended it and those left behind on the outside”. It is Los Angeles 1993, a year in which, again as Gattis sets out, 15% of the US jail population were housed in California. And power has shifted to the point where prison gangs were able to direct activity on the streets. The crime that forms the centre of this narrative is an example of this activity. A small time drug dealer is shot by members of a rival gang, on orders from high ranking members in jail. The shooting is witnessed by Augie, a drug addict looking to score, who also takes the gun which was dropped the scene. Augie’s parole officer Petrillo, finds the gun, hears the story and realises that if he plants the gun he can use it not only to arrest the shooter, known as Wizard, but can also frame his housemate Jacob Safulu, known as Dreamer. Petrillo has personal reasons for wanting to frame Dreamer as he has plans to make a move on Dreamer’s teenage girlfriend (and Wizard’s sister), Angela. Soon Dreamer and Wizard are in prison and the wheels of justice are turning.
Through the rest of the book, and through a range of other characters, including the prosecutor and Dreamer’s defence attorney (who used to work as a prosecutor), Gattis exposes the US justice system. Dreamer, who has never been to prison before, relies on Wizard to protect him and quickly adjusts to the attitude needed to survive life on the inside. Meanwhile on the outside, their friend Jeovanni Matta, known as Little, who has kept himself out of gang business finds himself coming into his own as a gang leader as he tries to find out who the police informant is and how the gun ended up in Dreamer’s bedroom.
The System is forensic in its exploration of the issues but what it also shows is no matter how impartial everyone pretends to be, the whole show is running on personal agendas. Petrillo is using the situation to date Angela, prosecutor Kristina Mirkovich used to be married to one of the arresting police officers and desperately wants to win her first big gang case, Dreamer’s defence attorney Nick Park left the DA’s office after Mirkovich told him she would not date a colleague but then would not date him anyway so wants to take her down. Meanwhile, in prison, Wizard is cementing his reputation and Dreamer is learning to fight to survive:
This jail shit is a hundred times crazier than the streets. It’s like all the rough blocks in every bad hood got all the bad dudes shook out of them and they landed here. All squashed together in tiny spaces. That shit is never going to go good. It’s how I’ve been learning about people. Seeing them. How they really are when you bust the human part of them down to nothing and they’re just about doing whatever to survive…
Gattis effectively uses his chorus of voices to move the reader through the justice system. From crime, to arrest, to arraignment, to the trial and beyond. Casting a keen eye on the mechanics of the system without ever losing sight of the humans who sit behind it. And it is that human element which ensures that nothing is black and white, and that no matter how impartial the system purports to be, there will always be cracks. And while the action is set almost thirty years ago, there is no reason to think the situation has improved in any way since then. If anything it is likely to be worse.
Even before the prologue, Gattis sets out his intent – to explore a single crime – “those accused of it, those who witnessed it, the law enforcement who investigated it, the lawyers who prosecuted and defended it and those left behind on the outside”. It is Los Angeles 1993, a year in which, again as Gattis sets out, 15% of the US jail population were housed in California. And power has shifted to the point where prison gangs were able to direct activity on the streets. The crime that forms the centre of this narrative is an example of this activity. A small time drug dealer is shot by members of a rival gang, on orders from high ranking members in jail. The shooting is witnessed by Augie, a drug addict looking to score, who also takes the gun which was dropped the scene. Augie’s parole officer Petrillo, finds the gun, hears the story and realises that if he plants the gun he can use it not only to arrest the shooter, known as Wizard, but can also frame his housemate Jacob Safulu, known as Dreamer. Petrillo has personal reasons for wanting to frame Dreamer as he has plans to make a move on Dreamer’s teenage girlfriend (and Wizard’s sister), Angela. Soon Dreamer and Wizard are in prison and the wheels of justice are turning.
Through the rest of the book, and through a range of other characters, including the prosecutor and Dreamer’s defence attorney (who used to work as a prosecutor), Gattis exposes the US justice system. Dreamer, who has never been to prison before, relies on Wizard to protect him and quickly adjusts to the attitude needed to survive life on the inside. Meanwhile on the outside, their friend Jeovanni Matta, known as Little, who has kept himself out of gang business finds himself coming into his own as a gang leader as he tries to find out who the police informant is and how the gun ended up in Dreamer’s bedroom.
The System is forensic in its exploration of the issues but what it also shows is no matter how impartial everyone pretends to be, the whole show is running on personal agendas. Petrillo is using the situation to date Angela, prosecutor Kristina Mirkovich used to be married to one of the arresting police officers and desperately wants to win her first big gang case, Dreamer’s defence attorney Nick Park left the DA’s office after Mirkovich told him she would not date a colleague but then would not date him anyway so wants to take her down. Meanwhile, in prison, Wizard is cementing his reputation and Dreamer is learning to fight to survive:
This jail shit is a hundred times crazier than the streets. It’s like all the rough blocks in every bad hood got all the bad dudes shook out of them and they landed here. All squashed together in tiny spaces. That shit is never going to go good. It’s how I’ve been learning about people. Seeing them. How they really are when you bust the human part of them down to nothing and they’re just about doing whatever to survive…
Gattis effectively uses his chorus of voices to move the reader through the justice system. From crime, to arrest, to arraignment, to the trial and beyond. Casting a keen eye on the mechanics of the system without ever losing sight of the humans who sit behind it. And it is that human element which ensures that nothing is black and white, and that no matter how impartial the system purports to be, there will always be cracks. And while the action is set almost thirty years ago, there is no reason to think the situation has improved in any way since then. If anything it is likely to be worse.
tommooney's review against another edition
2.0
I've had two goes at this and can't get going with it. I love the idea of taking a single crime and following it through the justice system. But maybe Gattis has been too ambitious with his approach. There are so many different characters that it's hard to build any momentum. And his narrative is detailed and ultra-realistic to a fault - it's almost so convincing that it becomes boring. I just couldn't find anyone to root for or connect with. Some people will love it but not one for me.
vnnbrg's review against another edition
5.0
Als het kon gaf ik het 6 sterren, of 7, of 8. Alle sterren.
eleellis's review against another edition
4.0
The toughest part about reviewing novels like The System by Ryan Gattis, is doing justice to the writing and story. This novel really is more than just a “crime” or “thriller” novel. It’s a novel of destruction, growth, and redemption.
The System is a gritty, urban crime novel focusing on those encountering “the system,” and of those practicing within “the system.” As Gattis describes, the machination of “the system” consists of the three prongs of government when it comes to law and law-breaking: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The main focus of the novel is on Jacob “Dreamer” Safula and Omar “Wizard” Tavira. Wizard is a hardcore mover and shaker in the gang world, while Dreamer is more or less tied to the gang subculture because of his friendship with Wizard and geographic upbringing.
The novel opens with Angela Alvarez, the girlfriend of Dreamer, telling him their relationship has reached the end of the road and it’s time for him to move out of her home. Wizard, the cousin to Angela Alvarez, and best friend of Dreamer, also lives with Alvarez and while the couple is ending their relationship, some distance away, Wizard happens to be shooting a female drug dealer nicknamed Scrappy.
Soon, because of malevolent forces beyond the control of Dreamer and regardless of being innocent of the shooting, both he and Wizard are arrested and charged with the crime and find themselves facing possible life prison terms.
In alternating chronological chapters told from the perspective of different characters within the novel, the story continues to unfold as Dreamer and Wizard move through the bowels of the “the system.” The novel further details the toll this process exacts from all those involved when pulled into its crushing vortex, where procedure is more important than truth and where results often end with negative, unrelenting repercussions, often contrary to guilt or innocence.
Those fond of writers like George Pelecanos, Richard Price, and Dennis Lehane should enjoy the writing of Ryan Gattis and it will be quite a surprise if The System does not start appearing on “best of” end of the year lists in crime fiction. Readers are also encouraged to read Gattis’ prior novel All Involved.
NetGalley provided an advanced reader copy of this novel with the promise of an unbiased and fair review. This review was originally published at MysteryandSuspense.com
The System is a gritty, urban crime novel focusing on those encountering “the system,” and of those practicing within “the system.” As Gattis describes, the machination of “the system” consists of the three prongs of government when it comes to law and law-breaking: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The main focus of the novel is on Jacob “Dreamer” Safula and Omar “Wizard” Tavira. Wizard is a hardcore mover and shaker in the gang world, while Dreamer is more or less tied to the gang subculture because of his friendship with Wizard and geographic upbringing.
The novel opens with Angela Alvarez, the girlfriend of Dreamer, telling him their relationship has reached the end of the road and it’s time for him to move out of her home. Wizard, the cousin to Angela Alvarez, and best friend of Dreamer, also lives with Alvarez and while the couple is ending their relationship, some distance away, Wizard happens to be shooting a female drug dealer nicknamed Scrappy.
Soon, because of malevolent forces beyond the control of Dreamer and regardless of being innocent of the shooting, both he and Wizard are arrested and charged with the crime and find themselves facing possible life prison terms.
In alternating chronological chapters told from the perspective of different characters within the novel, the story continues to unfold as Dreamer and Wizard move through the bowels of the “the system.” The novel further details the toll this process exacts from all those involved when pulled into its crushing vortex, where procedure is more important than truth and where results often end with negative, unrelenting repercussions, often contrary to guilt or innocence.
Those fond of writers like George Pelecanos, Richard Price, and Dennis Lehane should enjoy the writing of Ryan Gattis and it will be quite a surprise if The System does not start appearing on “best of” end of the year lists in crime fiction. Readers are also encouraged to read Gattis’ prior novel All Involved.
NetGalley provided an advanced reader copy of this novel with the promise of an unbiased and fair review. This review was originally published at MysteryandSuspense.com
veronique5199's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you Netgalley, Ryan Gattis and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the Advanced reader copy.
I received an ARC from Netgalley but listened to the published Audiobook
On December 6, 1993, a drug dealer called Scrappy is shot and left for dead on the lawn outside her mother’s house in South Central Los Angeles. Augie, a heroin addict, witnesses the whole thing—before he steals all the drugs on her person, as well as the gun that was dropped at the scene. When Augie gets busted, he names local gang members Wizard and Dreamer the shooters.
But only one of them is guilty.
CAWPILE Rating: 7.15 => 3.5 stars
Characters: 6.5
Atmosphere: 6.0
Writing: 7.0
Plot: 8.0
Intrigue: 7.0
Logic: 8.0
Enjoyment: 7.5
I thought the story and the writing were quite straightforward. It gave a compelling story and a good view of the legal system of America. It followed the complete process from the shooting to the arrest, jail time, and the trial.
The characters in the story were fleshed out in combination with the story but we did not see a lot of background of the characters. They are not all likable characters, but they are realistic (I actually hated the police officer)
I enjoyed listening to this story and recommend if you like to read about criminal cases.
I received an ARC from Netgalley but listened to the published Audiobook
On December 6, 1993, a drug dealer called Scrappy is shot and left for dead on the lawn outside her mother’s house in South Central Los Angeles. Augie, a heroin addict, witnesses the whole thing—before he steals all the drugs on her person, as well as the gun that was dropped at the scene. When Augie gets busted, he names local gang members Wizard and Dreamer the shooters.
But only one of them is guilty.
CAWPILE Rating: 7.15 => 3.5 stars
Characters: 6.5
Atmosphere: 6.0
Writing: 7.0
Plot: 8.0
Intrigue: 7.0
Logic: 8.0
Enjoyment: 7.5
I thought the story and the writing were quite straightforward. It gave a compelling story and a good view of the legal system of America. It followed the complete process from the shooting to the arrest, jail time, and the trial.
The characters in the story were fleshed out in combination with the story but we did not see a lot of background of the characters. They are not all likable characters, but they are realistic (I actually hated the police officer)
I enjoyed listening to this story and recommend if you like to read about criminal cases.
screamdogreads's review against another edition
4.0
The System is a sinister and gritty legal thriller that offers a penetrating and shocking look at the US criminal justice system, and the consequences left behind should it fail. Told through a thought-provoking and frightening lens, this novel explores how the corruption of one man can ruin the lives of many. The reader is invited to watch the entire case unfold before their eyes, from the crime taking place, right up to the verdict being offered.
Each character brings a refreshing perspective to the story, each offering their own flaws and shortcomings. While there wasn't a character I didn't want to hear from, Dreamer was by far my favorite. He was painted in such a brilliant way, bringing about a sympathetic view to someone caught up in gang culture. I honestly would have enjoyed seeing the novel entirely from his viewpoint.
If you're looking for a crime novel that differs from the norm, then this one is worth checking out.
Each character brings a refreshing perspective to the story, each offering their own flaws and shortcomings. While there wasn't a character I didn't want to hear from, Dreamer was by far my favorite. He was painted in such a brilliant way, bringing about a sympathetic view to someone caught up in gang culture. I honestly would have enjoyed seeing the novel entirely from his viewpoint.
If you're looking for a crime novel that differs from the norm, then this one is worth checking out.
jjsho77's review against another edition
5.0
This book was good. Like really, really good. The character development was on point. I cared about all of the characters and yet couldn’t even tell you what they looked like. But I felt like I knew them and that was way more important than any description of their physicality. The story got me from the very beginning and I couldn’t wait to find out the verdict. So many twists and turns and an inside look into the prison system and gang culture. Just super well done. Definitely want to read more by this author.
leucocrystal's review against another edition
5.0
Ryan Gattis don't miss! I knew that going in, so I had high expectations, but this still ended up rising to meet them and then some, which is always one of my favorite experiences to have with a new book. The fact that it opens with a quote from a favorite Anne Sexton poem of mine (on which my favorite Peter Gabriel song was based, no less) was just an extra specific bit of icing on the cake.
I'm still so impressed by the skill involved with taking a particular cast of characters — let alone one that can be tied realistically the another group in one of his other novels — and rotating among all their various points of view from section to section, always moving chronologically forward, never overlapping time, and yet also never bringing the interwoven plots to any point of confusion. I can only imagine what his outlines must look like. Yes, he's worked in this style multiple times, but does that make it any less gripping or impressive, at least for me? Not at all. Frankly, he could stick with it through several more novels, and as long as they remain this tight, I can't imagine growing tired of it.
The short version: If you're a fan of LA crime writing, but grew tired of, let's say, Ellroy's overdone shtick (including but certainly not limited to: his thinly veiled personal obsessions, heavy-handed sprinklings of racism, not to mention his bizarre love affair with cops, all of which ages more poorly by the year), and instead are more interested in exploring LA crime fiction through a refreshing, more challenging lens, featuring just as many (and far more diverse, non-caricature) characters written by someone who clearly knows what their lives are more likely to be like, the ins and outs of their neighborhoods and, most of all here, all about the reality of the law enforcement/the carceral complex/the criminal justice system... Go with Gattis. He won't steer you wrong.
Take it from me. I'm a picky as hell bookseller who used to be a criminologist. Here's to many more from Ryan Gattis.
I'm still so impressed by the skill involved with taking a particular cast of characters — let alone one that can be tied realistically the another group in one of his other novels — and rotating among all their various points of view from section to section, always moving chronologically forward, never overlapping time, and yet also never bringing the interwoven plots to any point of confusion. I can only imagine what his outlines must look like. Yes, he's worked in this style multiple times, but does that make it any less gripping or impressive, at least for me? Not at all. Frankly, he could stick with it through several more novels, and as long as they remain this tight, I can't imagine growing tired of it.
The short version: If you're a fan of LA crime writing, but grew tired of, let's say, Ellroy's overdone shtick (including but certainly not limited to: his thinly veiled personal obsessions, heavy-handed sprinklings of racism, not to mention his bizarre love affair with cops, all of which ages more poorly by the year), and instead are more interested in exploring LA crime fiction through a refreshing, more challenging lens, featuring just as many (and far more diverse, non-caricature) characters written by someone who clearly knows what their lives are more likely to be like, the ins and outs of their neighborhoods and, most of all here, all about the reality of the law enforcement/the carceral complex/the criminal justice system... Go with Gattis. He won't steer you wrong.
Take it from me. I'm a picky as hell bookseller who used to be a criminologist. Here's to many more from Ryan Gattis.
sarahguy's review against another edition
4.0
The System is an engaging multiple POV read, focused on the aftermath of a gang ordered shooting in Lynwood in '93.
We follow the victim, a witness, the shooter, a number of police officers and gang members, and the lawyers trying the case. Each character has their own unique voice, perspective, and reasoning and you feel consequences tightening on the characters with each passing chapter.
It reminds me a bit of The Wire, on a smaller scale, because every character is shades of grey morality-wise.
I was a bit disappointed in the conclusion, as it was largely "happy" and didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the story.
I will definitely recommend this book on its release.
Thank you to the publisher, via Edelweiss, for providing me with an arc for review.
We follow the victim, a witness, the shooter, a number of police officers and gang members, and the lawyers trying the case. Each character has their own unique voice, perspective, and reasoning and you feel consequences tightening on the characters with each passing chapter.
It reminds me a bit of The Wire, on a smaller scale, because every character is shades of grey morality-wise.
I was a bit disappointed in the conclusion, as it was largely "happy" and didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the story.
I will definitely recommend this book on its release.
Thank you to the publisher, via Edelweiss, for providing me with an arc for review.