Book Log 2011 #6: The Given Day by Dennis Lehane

Outside of reading Mystic River I don't have much experience with Dennis Lehane's books, and passed on this one a number of times due to fears that it would be a predictable rehash of the sort of prejudices you'd expect in a book set in 1919 Boston. But when I finally relented and picked this up, I was happy to learn that while the prejudices are there - and really, they have to be in order for the book to be realistic - this is no rehash.

Instead, we get a sweeping tale where these prejudices run headlong into change, marked by the end of World War I, social and political changes caused by immigration, and the recurring tension of younger generations wanting to live out from under the strictures of their parents. That this results in violence - both personal and city-wide - is hardly surprising.

The story also benefits from using the occasional cameo, most notably the recurring appearance of Babe Ruth. It's interesting watching him cruise through the turbulent times, often unaware of the greater issues. In some ways it's refreshingly familiar - it fits with our notion of disinterested celebrities - but I also thought it gave a good general counterpoint to the intensely personal stories that make up the bulk of the book.

Worth the read, but it's approaching tome territory, so plan to spend some quality time working through it.