Review: This gritty, engrossing graphic novel, set in Harlem in 1931, centers around Queenie, a French Antilles immigrant who's been running a lottery for over a decade that's made her into somewhat of a local legend ... and boss. A strong, intelligent woman determined to hang onto her own neighborhood, Queenie's story is one of everyday survival; never more than when, with Prohibition on its way out, up-and-coming gangster Dutch Schultz seeks to diversify both his business and hold over New York City, his harsh gaze falling to Harlem and the one thing standing in his way of acquisition: Queenie. This is only volume one, but after a bit of a slow start Queenie and the residents of Harlem - not to mention the neigborhood itself - blaze to life on the page, whether in the machinations of friends turned to enemies, steamy/forbidden sex, or the violence that explodes on the streets by way of showing who's in control. Dark in tone and with more depth than expected for a short graphic novel, the unfolding of Harlem in the wake of its birth is enthralling - and makes for a bloody good read. 4/5 stars
NOTE: I receied a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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