Background
Published in April of 2024, “A Calamity of Souls” by David Baldacci is a legal drama set in 1968 in Freeman County, Virginia. The story revolves around a murder trial in the Jim Crow South. Jack Lee, a white lawyer who takes on the seemingly impossible task of defending Jerome Washington, a Black Vietnam veteran falsely accused of murdering his wealthy white employers. Faced with a biased legal system and the threat of the death penalty, Jack partners with Desiree DuBose, a skilled Black lawyer sent to help from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Together, they navigate a racially charged atmosphere, uncovering corruption and secrets as they fight for justice. Baldacci combines courtroom suspense with a deep exploration of racial tensions in the American South during the Civil Rights era.
My Thoughts
This book was difficult to get into but it was hard to put it down once it was in full swing. While painful at times, the novel explores much of the ugly side of humanity where hatred is left unchecked. Baldacci creates compelling characters and a non-stop pace keeping the reader engaged. As a fellow Virginian, I enjoy that Baldacci weaves the local area into his books giving me another layer of familiarity with his content. While the narrative in this book felt forced and even saccharin at times, it left me feeling very glad I don’t live in that environment of constant racism and hatred.
Recommendation
A good read.