Thompson-Spires’s beguiling story, full of competing versions of the truth, is enriched by commentary on capitalistic excess and male chauvinism, and by its exploration of the limits of individualistic social theories put forth by such Black leaders as Marcus Garvey and Booker T. Washington. Readers will be floored.
Droll characterization, wry humor, and storytelling chops [are] displayed by the talented Thompson-Spires in this debut novel . . . Reminiscent of T.C. Boyle, another master of the darkly whimsical short story, Thompson-Spires packs a sharp, caustic wit that yields plenty of compassion for even someone as mean and misbegotten as her title character. Is this a whodunit, or a 'how-they-did-it'? However you define Thompson-Spires’ novel, it’s shrewd, audacious, and funny.
