Review of The BLACK BOTTOM

[Tosin Le]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The BLACK BOTTOM" by Theo Czuk.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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I just finished reading The Black Bottom: The Measure of Man, authored by Theo Czuk. Indeed, it was a rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous ’20s! This psychological thriller took me deep into the heart of Detroit's Black Bottom neighborhood, where jazz roared and speakeasies thrived, and the clash of progress and digression set the stage for an enthralling story. The book opened with a bang as the protagonist, Kaleb Kierka, struggled to piece together his memories after a violent beating. As he delved into his past, he unearthed a dark history of violence, liquor, heroin, and jazz. The vividly portrayed characters add depth to the narrative, from Kaleb's life as a speakeasy owner to his connections with the notorious Purple Gang. I particularly loved the portrayal of the jazz-jamming ivory thumper and the two-gun misfit with a heart of gold; their roles were pivotal in keeping me hooked throughout.

The author, Theo Czuk, skillfully painted the atmosphere of the ’20s, making it feel authentic and compelling. The first-hand accounts from his father, who was a numbers runner for The Purple Gang, added a layer of realism that transported me straight to that era. I found myself immersed in the seedy juice joints of 1927 Detroit, following Kaleb's journey of self-discovery while being pursued by lawmen and gangsters and embroiled in the chaos of gang wars and union conflicts. In addition, this book is a masterful tale that took me on a journey through the roaring ’20s, filled with suspense, authenticity, and memorable characters. Theo Czuk's storytelling prowess shines, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

The story was gripping, and the writing was on point. It kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the whole truth behind Kaleb's amnesia and the intriguing events that unfolded. The level of suspense maintained throughout was remarkable, and it's no surprise that this book has won numerous awards, including the Clue Award for Suspense/Thriller and the Next Generation Independent Book Award for General Fiction.

I must admit, I couldn't find anything to dislike about this book. As for the editing, I'd say the book was exceptionally well-edited. I didn't notice any errors, which speaks volumes about the author's dedication to delivering a polished piece of work. Now, the rating! I give it a perfect rating of five out of five stars because it's thrilling and captivating.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, psychological thrillers, or stories with a noir touch. If you're a fan of immersive settings, well-crafted characters, and an enthralling plot, then "The Black Bottom" should be on your reading list.

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The BLACK BOTTOM
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[AbigailRay]

From my experience, this book is going to be a good read. I would love to give it a try. Nice review.

[Uchechi uk]

A captivating title I must say but I don't like the whole year aspect the author keeps introducing. Nice review.

[NetMassimo]

The setting in the 1920s is not my favorite but the psychological thriller element is intriguing to me. The awards this novel received and the enthusiastic review make me curious!