Title: Dodgers
Author: Bill Beverly
First published March 30, 2016
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781101903735 (ISBN10: 1101903732)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
In “Dodgers”, author Bill Beverly takes readers on a gripping and intense coming-of-age journey that is reminiscent of the works of esteemed writers Richard Price, Denis Johnson, and J.D. Salinger. The story follows East, a young gang member from Los Angeles who is given a dangerous task by his uncle.
Together with a group of fellow teenage boys, including his younger and impulsive brother, East is sent to Wisconsin to murder a key witness in hiding. This journey takes him out of his comfort zone and into a world that is entirely unfamiliar, leaving him to question his role in the world and the kind of man he wants to become.
Beverly’s writing is both poignant and raw, and his characters are realistically portrayed with wit and empathy. This book is a powerful debut from a promising new voice in American fiction.
Editoral Review
In his debut novel “Dodgers,” Bill Beverly explores the gritty world of gang violence and the consequences of the choices young men make. Beverly, an American literature and writing professor, draws from his own experiences growing up in California to create a vivid portrayal of crime and corruption.
The novel follows the story of East, a young gang member who is sent on a cross-country road trip with three other young men to carry out a murder. The journey takes them through the heartland of America, exposing them to new experiences and challenging their preconceptions about race, class, and identity.
Beverly’s writing style is spare and unadorned, yet it manages to capture the raw emotions and inner turmoil of his characters. The story is told from the perspective of East, who is a sympathetic protagonist despite his criminal deeds.
The other characters, including his crew members, are fleshed out just enough to make them distinctive and memorable. The setting of the novel is another strength, as Beverly captures the diverse landscapes of America and the socioeconomic disparities that exist between regions.
The journey takes the characters from the streets of Los Angeles to the farms of Wisconsin, the casinos of Nevada, and the forests of Montana. In each place, they encounter new challenges and obstacles that test their resolve and deepen their understanding of the world.
One of the major themes of the novel is the idea of redemption and second chances. Each character has made mistakes in their past, and the road trip provides an opportunity for them to reassess their lives and take steps towards a better future.
However, the novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of their circumstances, and the ending is both ambiguous and bittersweet. While “Dodgers” is not a perfect novel, it is a compelling and well-crafted debut that deserves attention.
The pacing of the plot is somewhat uneven at times, and there are a few plot points that feel contrived. However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the strengths of the novel, including the vividly rendered characters, the evocative setting, and the carefully crafted themes.
Overall, “Dodgers” is a standout novel in the crime fiction genre, and a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about race, class, and violence in America. Recommended for fans of gritty, character-driven novels that don’t shy away from difficult topics.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
