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A Review by Rola Phoenicia of Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
I am still trying to catch my breath after reading Black Water Rising by Attica Locke; a
fast paced drama about a man, the system of racism he fought against and now hides within
and the corruption of corporate America. Within all of that, there is a murder, a mystery
and a woman: what more can you ask from a novel?
The story begins on a dark Texas bayou, in a boat and Jay Porter, a lawyer and protagonist, is a beaten
down man trying to have a life while merely treading water in the swamp of his life’s disappointment. He
is a former civil rights warrior who got snared by a legal system that was determined to destroy the
black revolution that was threatening to topple the American nation.
When the night splits and a woman screams for help, Jay and his entire family are thrown down
a wicked well of lies, greed and terrifying corporate power. This character is fascinating
and engrossing in his brokenness and earnest beginnings that lead him down a ruined road,
all in a misguided effort to protect his family from the people behind the shriek in the night;
or is it to protect himself? Often, broken people are the most selfish.
The author, Attica Locke is a gifted visualist with a talent for literary rhythm and not one drop of
these gifts is wasted in her debut novel. The pace of Black Water Rising is perfect in mysteries
concealed and revealed and the lacing of past with present while creating a larger theme of government
corruption, race relations and what it means to be free in modern America.
No one is innocent and everyone is accused and they are all racing to get to what they want
before the truth sees the light of day and at the heart of these flawed characters and out
right despicable people is a man struggling to come to terms with a long ago betrayal and
a present desire to release himself from the bondage of his family, his race, his nation and himself.
Black Water Rising is one of the best books I’ve read this year, from the very first page I was down
the rabbit hole, I sacrificed sleep and peace of mind in my desperate need to find out who did it,
why and will Jay make it to the other side of this mess he’s gotten us all into!
Attica Locke has written such a fun, exciting, interesting book and if I am not mistaken a mild hint that Jay may resurface; one can only hope!
Rola Phoenicia: I have these words to give to you in hope they will offer a friend and beacon, a splinter
of light to pierce the night. I found inspiration and hope in using words to mold an original
canvas of self-expression and salvation in the vast ocean of life.
Web Site
Email: Rola Phoenicia
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