Reviews

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

kelseymikaela's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I listened to the audiobook and it was only 3 ish hours. It was a great spooky listen. The narrator fit the vibe of the novel well and it felt like every scene had a purpose. This short story wraps up very nicely too and left me feeling disturbed and satisfied, which is all I really ask for from a good scary story. After finishing this I want to try more stories from Lavalle

muddymind's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

jazatlast's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

jacktardis's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

teejayniu's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

chandlabing1987's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

3.0

jimig's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lauraborkpower's review against another edition

3.0

This book is best enjoyed in context, paying attention to the H.P. Lovecraft story it's responding to ("The Horror at Red Hook"), and knowing that LaValle is a Black horror writer.

I was initially nervous to read this because I'd tried to read another of LaValle's books and found it unreadable. But this experience was good and his writing is straight-forward, interesting, and beautifully descriptive when it comes to the horror and gore.

It's worth reading and a good book-club choice.

swirls's review against another edition

4.0

 Aaaaaaahhhhhh that got scurry.


I read it immediately after Horror at Red Hook, which I think was a good move. This is definitely one of the better modern Lovecraftian stories. I'll be reading more LaValle. 

pinkalpaca's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Racism

Moderate: Blood