The deaths of unarmed Black male citizens at the hands of police from Eric Garner’s in New York City in 2014 to George Floyd’s in Minneapolis in May 2020 provide the impetus behind Louis-Philippe Dalembert’s latest novel, a re-imagining of events leading up to and after these tragedies.
In this moving tribute set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the composite, fictionalized main character Emmett and victim of police violence is seen through the eyes of several individuals who were all touched by his life: the Pakistani shopkeeper who dialed 911, Emmett’s former girlfriend, a teacher, a neighborhood friend, and his college football coach all recall Emmett and describe how his love and generous spirit touched their lives. The novel then takes a wider point of view in the second half to focus on the march and memorial service with a resounding and spiritual message of peace. This is a powerful testament to the ongoing struggles for justice, and a moving and hopeful tribute to the many victims of racist violence.