White Smoke

No cover

White Smoke (2022, HarperCollins Publishers)

English language

Published April 18, 2022 by HarperCollins Publishers.

ISBN:
9780063029101

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3 stars (1 review)

3 editions

Review of 'White Smoke' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

This was a good book overall and an enjoyable read, certainly one I'd recommend. Higher than 3, but not quite 4 star for reasons I will go in to.

I particularly liked the depth of storytelling, which frankly caught me by surprise. I went in expecting a somewhat run-of-the-mill, family-moves-into-haunted-house scenario but interwoven were some very interesting social themes which make the book feel very grounded in reality, particularly when looking from the perspective of minority communities:

- Racism;
- Gentrification;
- Addiction, anxiety, paranoia and the mental health struggles surrounding such.
- Blended family challenges, touching upon some struggles of both parents and the children involved;
- Use of religion and televangelism as a tool to influence the masses and prey upon peoples' poverty through religion while making those 'preachers' rich in the process;
- Major businesses/money backers and the influence they have over communities;
- The heavy-handedness of …