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kidclamp's review
5.0
Three great stories that left me wanting more I really enjoyed this book and Sturms vision of some of the more unsavory aspects of American history.
turrean's review
3.0
Three unconnected--other than thematically--stories set in the 1800s and early 1900s. The stories focus on the power of faith, the power of greed, and the power of intolerance. I thought the stories ended abruptly, particularly the last one. The frame-by-frame baseball game was hard for a non-sports-fan to follow with interest. I was baffled by the build up to the game, followed by "it started to rain so we left and drifted apart." There was no actual conclusion. Yet I loved [b:Satchel Paige Striking Out Jim Crow|1426373|Satchel Paige Striking Out Jim Crow|James Sturm|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1183494627s/1426373.jpg|1416853] so go figure...
The most powerful story, for me, was the first. Pathos and horrified fascination in equal measure.
The most powerful story, for me, was the first. Pathos and horrified fascination in equal measure.
bluenicorn's review
2.0
A compilation of three works, each representing god, gold, and golems, and as a whole, James Sturm's picture of America. It's all there in the title. :) It was a provocative piece, and the third story, The Golem's Mighty Swing, was both what drew me to this work and what made it worth my time.
meepelous's review
4.0
A collection of short historical fiction stories dealing with different points in America's history. Very "politically incorrect" as the old fogies say the young ones would say. Everyone's so dark and gritty, conniving and selfish. Shit happens and the n-word is used!
Should the n-word have been used? At this point, I really don't know. I would say that it was Sturm's intention to use this hyper-awareness of race to really bring into focus the level of racism present in the time periods covered. I will leave it up to (and be looking into) what the opinion is of those who continue to have to live with these sorts of words and bigotry to this very day.
As I've already seen a few people mention, Sturm's style reminds me a lot of Chester Brown. Very referential of the historical prints that inspired these stories. His layouts are slightly more involved than Chester's, but not a whole lot. That said, much like Chester, Sturm's style is strong enough to stand strong in the simplicity - plus it's fairly easy to follow for newbies! Much like Louis Riel, this collection felt really theatrical to me.
A great counter-narrative to the "good old days" we are forever hearing about. I suspect a lot of patriots might find this collection rather triggering.
Should the n-word have been used? At this point, I really don't know. I would say that it was Sturm's intention to use this hyper-awareness of race to really bring into focus the level of racism present in the time periods covered. I will leave it up to (and be looking into) what the opinion is of those who continue to have to live with these sorts of words and bigotry to this very day.
As I've already seen a few people mention, Sturm's style reminds me a lot of Chester Brown. Very referential of the historical prints that inspired these stories. His layouts are slightly more involved than Chester's, but not a whole lot. That said, much like Chester, Sturm's style is strong enough to stand strong in the simplicity - plus it's fairly easy to follow for newbies! Much like Louis Riel, this collection felt really theatrical to me.
A great counter-narrative to the "good old days" we are forever hearing about. I suspect a lot of patriots might find this collection rather triggering.
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