Mosley introduces an unlikely hero in Socrates Fortlow, a rough-hewn yet thoughtful ex-con who, like his Greek namesake, is prone to asking big moral questions. Having spent 27 years in an Indiana prison and now living in Watts (in Los Angeles), Socrates is trying to redeem a misspent life while avoiding his own worst tendencies. He risks his safety to help a young boy struggling with his own conscience and tries to show mercy to an old friend dying of cancer. When he attempts to help a dog run over by a callous motorist, Socrates gives in to his anger and suddenly finds himself on the verge of returning to jail. While the novel can be a bit contrived or didactic in places, readers will find Socrates an intriguing enough character to overlook these flaws. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 7/97.]Lawrence Rungren, Merrimack Valley Lib. Consortium, Andover, Mass.
Introducing Socrates Fortlow, an ex-con struggling to find his place in the world after 27 years in jail. Living in an abandoned apartment building in South-Central L.A., Socrates is one step away from the streets. He bags groceries at the supermarket, recycles bottles and cans for pennies, and feels himself slipping toward invisibility-until he meets 11-year-old Darryl, who is perilously close to a life of violence and bloodshed. Socrates' determination to fight for and save Darryl lights his own pathway to self-forgiveness and possible redemption.
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A lyrical and deeply moving work-read by Peter Francis James who perfectly captures Socrates' struggles-Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned provides an unflinching look into inner city life and the soul of one man who refuses to succumb to the despair around him.
Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned
Introducing Socrates Fortlow, an ex-con struggling to find his place in the world after 27 years in jail. Living in an abandoned apartment building in South-Central L.A., Socrates is one step away from the streets. He bags groceries at the supermarket, recycles bottles and cans for pennies, and feels himself slipping toward invisibility-until he meets 11-year-old Darryl, who is perilously close to a life of violence and bloodshed. Socrates' determination to fight for and save Darryl lights his own pathway to self-forgiveness and possible redemption.
A lyrical and deeply moving work-read by Peter Francis James who perfectly captures Socrates' struggles-Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned provides an unflinching look into inner city life and the soul of one man who refuses to succumb to the despair around him.
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Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940175602471 |
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Publisher: | Phoenix Books, Inc. |
Publication date: | 07/01/2004 |
Series: | Socrates Fortlow |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
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