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Unknown PI

Blaise Joshua
Blaise Joshua

Oct-1-2006 08:46

Hi all.

I wonder if some of the more literary sleuths could help me.

Last week I was listening to an interview on Irish radio with a black American author who has written a number of books featuring a black American PI. I can't remember either of their names, but from what the author was saying the books are quite political and deal with themes such as racism and classism. I think that the stories are set in the 60s. Also, Bill Clinton has said publicly that they are among his favourite books.

Can anyone tell me the name of the author of the PI?

Cheers : o )

Replies

crunchpatty
crunchpatty
Old Shoe

Oct-1-2006 12:12

Not at all sure about this, but those sound really neat so I did a bit of a search...might the author be Walter Mosely?

Here's a link:
http://www.utah.edu/20thCenturyAfricanAmericanWriters/mosley.htm

and an excerpt from the page:

"Within seven novels, Mosley develops a protagonist, Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, who coalesces traditional notions of the hard-boiled detective and the cultural aspects of the black hero. In doing so, Mosley asks readers to ponder various meanings of masculinity in America even as they consume the escapist elements of the detective genre. Covering a time frame from the late 30s to the late 60s, Mosley's detective novels collectively chronicle the eventful and challenging experiences of Easy Rawlins, while exploring the dynamics of economical, political, and ethical issues facing an urban black community. Another crucial dimension of the seven-novel series is the friendship between Easy and his best friend, Raymond "Mouse" Alexander. Easy and Mouse maintain a volatile relationship, as the latter views the world as a hostile place where a violent response guarantees survival and one's manhood. The tension between the friends represents the anxiety among black men who constantly walk a line of adherence to or confrontation with America's status quo."

It goes on to mention accolades from Clinton...

Blaise Joshua
Blaise Joshua

Oct-1-2006 17:11

I don't know you Crunchpatty but you are the man! That's who I was looking for ... I'm straight down to the bookshop tomorrow morning. Thank you!

Cynderbear
Cynderbear

Oct-1-2006 23:38

Easy Rawlins is riveting and all of the books make a fantastic read. When you get in the mood for another period of history about a Black detective/doctor that is not written by a black author, but wonderful nonetheless, try the Benjamin January series by Barbara Hambly. Starting with "A Free Man of Color," they bring to life Creole Louisiana in the US ante-bellum period. As a caring, intelligent hero, Benjamin just shines, and you'd love to know him IRL.

crunchpatty
crunchpatty
Old Shoe

Oct-2-2006 02:41

Oh cool Blaise, I was just randomly googling...yay, it worked! I hereby pass my 'the man' title to google. Happy reading!


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