Small Mercies

Dennis Lehane
51 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2023

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Book Brief

Dennis Lehane

Small Mercies

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Horror & Suspense

•

Historical Fiction
Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1970s

Theme
Mothers

•

Revenge

•

Justice
Topic
Race & Racism

•

Trauma & Abuse

•

Civil Rights & Jim Crow South
First Publication Year

2023

Publisher

Harper

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane is set in 1974 South Boston during the busing riots and crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger's reign. It follows Mary Pat Fennessy as she searches for her missing daughter, Julia, amidst racial turmoil and organized crime. Mary Pat's quest for answers and justice reveals deeply rooted social issues like racial discrimination, police violence, and the impact of organized crime. The book contains depictions of racism, racial discrimination, substance misuse, violence, and statutory rape.

Dark

Gritty

Suspenseful

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

102,474 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Dennis Lehane's Small Mercies has garnered mixed responses. Positively noted for its intricate plot and rich character development, it adds depth to Lehane's signature noir style. Some readers, however, found the pacing uneven and the conclusion less satisfying than anticipated. Overall, it remains a compelling read for fans of crime fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Small Mercies?

A reader who enjoys gritty, atmospheric crime novels with deep socio-political undertones would appreciate Dennis Lehane's Small Mercies. Fans of Lehane's Mystic River or Richard Price's Lush Life will find the layered characters and moral complexities compelling. Ideal for those who relish a blend of mystery and social commentary.

4.3

102,474 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist of the novel, Mary Pat is a South Boston woman characterized by her toughness and resilience. Her devotion to uncovering the truth about her daughter's fate drives much of the plot.

A detective and former Marine who becomes one of the few allies in Mary Pat’s search for answers. Despite the community's distrust of law enforcement, he shares a similar goal of discovering the truth.

The most powerful criminal in South Boston, based on the real-life figure James “Whitey” Bulger. Despite having few direct appearances, his influence and criminal activities impact the entire community.

A drug dealer who stands out in the neighborhood for being the son of a prominent figure’s girlfriend. He is marked by his intellect and lack of remorse for his actions.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Horror & Suspense

•

Historical Fiction
Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1970s

Theme
Mothers

•

Revenge

•

Justice
Topic
Race & Racism

•

Trauma & Abuse

•

Civil Rights & Jim Crow South
First Publication Year

2023

Publisher

Harper

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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