... a sprawling historical narrative with sobering connections to our current moment. Book clubs interested in nonfiction selections will find much to work with here.
Johnson weaves compelling twin tragedies into a searing narrative that details the escalating conflict between locals and Vietnamese newcomers that explodes into a deadly night in the tiny town of Seadrift in 1979, followed by Klan involvement and a lawsuit featuring Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center ... Two stories interweave, collide, and ripple for more than 40 years, and Johnson’s thorough, diligent research and brisk storytelling make this narrative compelling for those seeking thrills or truths. Recommended for readers interested in environmental or racial justice and the power of activism.
[Johnson's] fascinating and disturbing narrative is a winning mix of biography, true crime, and ecological study ... A carefully written investigation full of villains—and the occasional hero.
... scrupulously reported ... Johnson’s exceptional research, including interviews with Aplin’s family, Klan sympathizers, and members of the Vietnamese community, allows him to marshal this sprawling history into a propulsive narrative. The result is a fascinating study of the forces roiling the Texas Gulf Coast and other parts of America.
