Review of The Black Ledger

[Sean Patrick Tracy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Black Ledger" by D.G. Allen.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Black Ledger by D.G. Allen follows the journey of Ronnie Pickles, a young man caught in a web of love, hardship, and corruption in 1960s Chicago. Recently graduated from high school and awaiting a call to join the Electrician's Union, Ronnie is thrust into a life of responsibility after getting his older girlfriend, Jessica, pregnant. Now married with a baby daughter, he faces constant conflict with his critical, alcoholic mother and the chaotic demands of his new family life.

Ronnie’s world shifts dramatically when he takes a job at Unified Insurance, a company specializing in selling questionable insurance policies to vulnerable communities. He quickly learns the ropes under the mentorship of Otis Wahl, a seasoned black salesman who teaches him how to navigate the dangerous Southside black ghetto of Chicago. There, Ronnie witnesses firsthand the dire conditions of poverty, violence, and systemic neglect faced by the black community, as well as the unscrupulous practices of Unified Insurance. His job is to exploit the fears of the residents—many dealing with drugs, prostitution, and high mortality rates—by selling them life, fire, and other insurance policies, with little regard for their actual well-being.

Through his work, Ronnie encounters a range of characters—from desperate single mothers like Sandra Wesley to dangerous gang members like Rupert of the Black Rangers gang. With each encounter, Ronnie’s understanding of the harsh realities faced by the black community deepens, but so does his awareness of the predatory nature of his job and the rampant corruption within Unified Insurance. He realizes that the company’s primary goal is profit, no matter the cost to the people they are supposed to serve.

As he delves deeper into the world of insurance sales, Ronnie becomes increasingly aware of the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding his work. He is horrified when his team makes a dubious sale to gang members, using an insurance policy to launder money and legitimize illegal activities. His disillusionment with the company reaches a peak when he learns of the tragic deaths of Sandra Wesley and her daughter, Lucy, both murdered by people he once considered colleagues. This brutal revelation exposes a hidden layer of corruption and hatred within Unified Insurance, revealing that his white coworkers, posing as legitimate businessmen, are actually dangerous individuals involved in illegal and immoral activities. Amidst the growing chaos, Ronnie is faced with a decision: either join the corrupt elements within Unified Insurance or expose their illegal activities to the authorities. "The Black Ledger" is a gritty, gripping tale that delves into the complexities of race, poverty, and morality in a divided America. Through Ronnie’s journey, the novel sheds light on the pervasive corruption that transcends race and the importance of solidarity and moral courage in confronting injustice.

I commend the author for crafting this story’s plot, such that it dives deep into the complexities of human nature and societal constructs, exploring themes of love, corruption, and redemption in a setting that many may find both shocking and eye-opening. What I particularly like about the book is its unflinching portrayal of moral ambiguity and the way it challenges the reader's preconceived notions of right and wrong. The narrative, told from Ronnie Pickles' perspective, vividly paints the gritty realities of life in the black ghetto of Chicago while simultaneously exposing the deeply ingrained corruption and prejudice within the institutions that are supposed to protect and serve.

For instance, the moment when Ronnie and Otis enter Rupert's domain, selling an insurance policy to a gang known for its violence, is both gripping and eye-opening. It challenges the reader to consider the lengths people will go to survive in a harsh environment. This scenario forces Ronnie—and, by extension, the reader—to grapple with the ethics of exploiting a vulnerable community, even when personal survival is at stake. The author brilliantly uses Ronnie's internal conflict to reflect on the broader systemic issues at play, such as how white-run institutions prey on marginalized communities without regard for their wellbeing.

I also admire how Allen uses the setting of Unified Insurance as a microcosm to reflect the pervasive corruption in society. The portrayal of characters like Mr. Hamilton, who manipulates others for personal gain, and Teddy, who is willing to engage in illegal schemes, provides a stark contrast to characters like Otis and Meadows, who, despite their flaws, retain a sense of morality and loyalty. The dynamic between these characters adds layers to the narrative, making the book not just a story about survival but also a commentary on the moral complexities that define our human experience.

I like the writing style of this unique and interesting book because the author ensures that the climax takes readers by surprise, creating a wonderful piece of writing. The texts have been edited exceptionally well, as I found no grammar errors in the book. Overall, I’d rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

The Black Ledger is suitable for readers who appreciate stories that do not shy away from the harsh realities of life and are interested in exploring themes of racial dynamics, institutional corruption, and the gray areas of morality. It would particularly resonate with those who enjoy crime fiction, social commentary, and complex character development. This book challenges readers to think critically about the world around them and question the true nature of good and evil, making it a compelling read for those who seek more than just a straightforward narrative.

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The Black Ledger
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[martha ruth]

Awwn this book is interesting the author ensures that climax takes readers surprise creating a wonderful piece of writing

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

The Black Ledger is an eye-opener into the failings of the societal constructs, into human nature, and into the harsh reality of poverty. Through his job, Ronnie is scamming the poor and vulnerable. His victims did not have much. But most of the time, those exploiting poor and fragile people take a selfish stance. They also victimize themselves to make an excuse of what they are doing, as if it's the only way for them to survive. This book seems engaging and interesting, I will add it to my shelves.

[NetMassimo]

This novel seems impressive in the way the author uses Ronnie's story to dig into harsh realities made of various types of crime and exploitation. It might be tough to read when the situations described are really tough but those are realistic descriptions of events that might be real. Thank you for your great review!

[Lawrence Stein]

I see the book impactful as it weaves fiction story to depict exploitation and crime in human world. Thanks for your recommendation.