I was excited and intrigued by the idea of this book when I received a free review copy from www.realreaders.co.uk but almost gave up after the first 10 pages, where a strange narrative style, short sentences, slang language and accents put me off so much I almost abandoned the book, however, suddenly in chapter 2 it shifted style and we got down to some decent writing and a way into the characters and their lives.
The book focuses on Los Angeles wanna be gangster East, only a boy, owes his boss after a police raid leaves him open to blame and needing to get back in the bosses good books. By taking on a risky but unavoidable job East must prove himself and become all he hopes to be and more, the result of independence and respect in East's life is loss of childhood and innocence. The book doesn't shy away from gang violence and the reality of Americas hidden poor in society as well as the price of drug and alcohol addiction. In the end, the very things that put me off the book to start were what made it real as I carried on.
Part road movie, part journey of discovery, the author has found influences in classic 19th century children's adventure as well as more modern gangster novels such as Goodfellas, leaving a blend which although far from unique has enough action, violence and suspense to keep my interest.
Dodgers is released in March 2016
Dodgers is released in March 2016
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