Tangled Web UK Review September 2007
Tin Roof Blow-Down by
James Lee Burke
pbk out November 07
(Orion)
at £12.99
Who better than James Lee Burke, with his passion for Louisiana and his judicious
analysis of inequity and iniquity, to take the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina as the core
event for his new book. Like no other incident in recent history, Katrina laid bare the
harsh truths of American society: the pitiful lot of the poor, the prevalence of
corruption, the deep-rooted racism and governmental incompetence. All this Burke
exposes along with tales of human avarice, cruelty, dignity, love and loss as the city
drowns. A powerhouse of a novel that takes a handful of characters: looters; a rich
white liberal and his family; Burke's series cop Robicheaux and buddy Purcell, and
throws them into the storm. The blend of fiction and fact is seamless and Burke
gives us an even-handed account: he reveals the unpalatable fact that almost a third
of the New Orleans Police Force deserted but also salutes those who remained
working without food, water, sanitation or sleep. Burke's trademark lyricism and
breathtaking imagery are perfect for conveying the emotional depth of such an
apocalyptic event. A eulogy and a song of grief.
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries and the series creator of TV Blue Murder)
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