Lorenzo Brown is fresh out of the clink. The former drug enforcer has vowed to go straight and found himself a job as an officer for the Humane Society. He patrols downtown DC looking for ill-treated pets - but in the course of his day repeatedly comes face-to-face with his old life. Rachel Lopez is an attractive young probation officer. Brown is one of her clients but also fast becoming one of her friends - perhaps he is one that can be saved. Nigel Johnson is a smart young drug-dealer on the make. He has plans to make a lot of money AND stay alive to spend it. He already runs his neighbourhood but doesn't realise that he stands on the brink of a vicious turf war which could destroy him. From these basic players, Pelecanos weaves and amazing new novel, one that defines a generation of black, Hispanic and white Americans fighting - literally - for their lives.
Drama City
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
'A thoroughly enjoyable read.' -- THE SUN
About the Author
George Pelecanos lives in Washington DC with his wife and children. He is also an acclaimed screenwriter, including credits for the hit series The Wire. He also manages Circle Films, an independent production company responsible for such films as the Coen Brothers' Raising Arizona, Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By O. Parker
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Drama City was a great introduction to Pelecanos for me. I'm a huge fan of HBO TV show The Wire and have been working my way into the writers literary works. Pelecanos was my 2nd after checking out David Simon's Homicide and The Corner. I was instantly hooked and finished the book in 3 days. It was tightly plotted and engrossing stuff. The characters were all engaging but Lorenzo Brown as the reformed criminal turned humane society worker really impressed me. I was struck by the similarities between Brown and Dennis "Cutty" Wise on The Wire. Perhaps unsurprisingly Chad Coleman who plays Cutty narrates the audiobook version of the story. Brown is well drawn and multi-faceted - he is prone to violence but is aware of this flaw and constantly tries to keep himself in check. As if that wasn't sympathetic enough he's also a true animal lover. Following him trying to keep to the straight and narrow in the same neighbourhoods he grew up in gives the book its tension. Its not a typical crime story and is probably more accessible for it. Well worth checking out if you like The Wire or like modern urban crime writing.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Barmee
Format:Paperback
A short review but having just read it I felt moved to write something. Like the earlier reviewer I read this book in only 3 days (not usual for me to read so fast). It took me in to a world that is so different to my own white middle class UK one in every way. The book really IS rewarding and a page turner at the same time. Violent for sure but in a measured way - and it has the rare treat for this sort of novel of a happy ending (well sort of!).
A great place to start with Pelecanos if you've not read one before.
A great place to start with Pelecanos if you've not read one before.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By welsh wizard
Format:Paperback
I am a Pelecanos addict and this I feel is the best I have read yet (this was my 9th)
The background as in all his other work's is the dark side of Washington and the shadier character's of life , Pelecanos does not entertain sentimentalities and atonement is not always achieved , his characters are gritty and extremely well detailed , Lorenzo here is the centrepice and Pelecanos bought him to life for me .
As usual the description of Washington is fantastic and one really does feel the atmosphere of the place.
The storyline is fast and frenetic and I found myself at the end of the book in super fast time - a mini-masterpiece in my opinion - ENJOY but realize that there is not always redemption - as in real life
The background as in all his other work's is the dark side of Washington and the shadier character's of life , Pelecanos does not entertain sentimentalities and atonement is not always achieved , his characters are gritty and extremely well detailed , Lorenzo here is the centrepice and Pelecanos bought him to life for me .
As usual the description of Washington is fantastic and one really does feel the atmosphere of the place.
The storyline is fast and frenetic and I found myself at the end of the book in super fast time - a mini-masterpiece in my opinion - ENJOY but realize that there is not always redemption - as in real life
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see the review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tough thriller
This is the first George Pelecanus book that I've read. I read it in just two days as I was totally drawn into the story. The ghetto life style was for me believable. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Blue Moon
1.0 out of 5 stars
Oh Dear !!
I have never written a review about a book before, however if this stops one person buying this book I feel it will be worth it. Read more
Published on 13 Feb 2010 by Grunt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Solid and highly readable
I've read most of the Pelcanos novels now but this is the one I started with. It has all of his hallmarks including brilliant dialogue, conflicted heroes, seriously nasty... Read more
Published on 29 Dec 2009 by Mr. S. Burgess
2.0 out of 5 stars
good , but not that good
Sorry but i cannot understand all the fuss made here. The writing is competent but no more than that. The pace is incredibly slow & the shady characters are all a bit too similar. Read more
Published on 9 May 2009 by Mr. C. Lever
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
