The Man Who Came Uptown

While imprisoned, Michael Hudson spends his long days reading the books given to him by the prison’s librarian. When Michael finds himself unexpectedly released, he discovers that Washington, D.C. has changed during his incarceration. But the temptations still exist and Michael struggles to balance his new job, his love of reading, and the debt owed to the man who secured his release. What is his place in this new world?

Phil Ornazian, the private investigator wants to support his family, but does so with choices that seem destined to lead to disaster. There is no strong distinction between right and wrong for him; all’s fair as long as the victims are criminals.

Anna Kaplan, the librarian, wants to share her love of books with the show more men in the prison, to help them discover the joys of reading. When she bumps into Michael after his release, she finds herself rather captivated by the man.

Michael’s release from prison puts into motion the character’s struggle as he weighs the right thing to do against the debt owed to the man who arranged for his release from prison. All he really wants is to read his beloved books. But he struggles, what he feels honor-bound to do against his conscience.

This character-driven tale offers readers compelling characters; the social commentary of the narrative sets the stage for the choices that each will make as it celebrates the transformative quality of the written word.

The absorbing plot catches readers with “will he or won’t he” ruminations about both Phil and Michael and spins out intrigue in the unfolding of a mesmerizing narrative. Readers will find much to appreciate in this tale, not the least of which is a delightful menu of stories readers have fallen in love with over the years.

Recommended. show less

This is a slight book in the number of pages, but just the opposite in impact. I was initially slow to embrace the latest from Pelecanos. In reading the dust jacket it just felt like him taking an opportunity to write about his favorite books and while that was interesting enough, it wasn't nearly enough to set the hook.

I'm glad I read The Man Who Came Uptown. It did, as I predicted, sell me on the author's favorite book but it was so much more. Wrapped up in this little slice of life from the rough side of DC were questions about fate, the cost of our choices, and thoughts about redemption, with a tense little thriller thrown in as a bonus.

Once again Pellacanos earns his place, along with Lehane, Price, and Burke, on my crime writers show more Mount Rushmore. show less

Nostalgia bomb

If you need to buy a gift for anyone who lived in DC in the 70's, this is it. A nostalgia bomb with a healthy dose of literature love.

I doubt if Mr. Pelecanos will read this review but these two comments are for him: A friend of mine used to say of 14th street – "By the time I got far enough up 14th street to afford it, I wasn't interested any more". And "Valdez is Coming" is a book I give to foreign friends to explain the USA national myth.

This book is long on setting. The city and how it has changed is the story. The people are the furniture. There is a bit of a thriller, but we are looking at people making their lives as best they can. I liked it and I am sure it will be a huge seller. But for those of you who like show more violence or sex every second page will be disappointed.

I received a review copy of "The Man Who Came Uptown" by George Pelecanos (Mulholland) through NetGalley.com. show less

This is the first book I've read by George Pelecanos and I'm still wondering what the fuss is about. This book is supposed to be about a librarian who helps a former criminal stay on the straight and narrow. Apparently, she does this by recommending books and by not treating him like a criminal. But the hard work is done by Michael, who applies the lessons in the books to his life, but who still struggles with the boredom and plodding progress the "straight" life provides. This is neither a mystery nor a thriller but a surface exploration of a man trying to resist the temptation of easy money as a shortcut to a better life. Pelecanos' depiction of life in contemporary Washington DC is inclusive without being obvious and the show more relationships are realistic. But the author's habit of name-dropping every street, neighborhood, brand name - and every slang version of all of the above - detracts from the storytelling. show less

DNF.

Pelecanos is a literary crime writer who emphasizes character development and the creation of fully realized physical and social milieus. His work reminds me of Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brody series. However, compelling characters and settings are not sufficient by themselves. The author must give the characters something to do. Pelecanos achieved an adequate balance in “The Cut,” but he was not so successful in this offering.

Some characters Pelecanos introduced in the early chapters seemed promising, and they reminded of Elmore Leonard. However, Leonard typically introduced an interesting plot at the outset. His quirky characters engage in interesting activities, and the plot advances at an acceptable pace. Unfortunately, show more the dust cover of “The Man Who Came Uptown” provided my only clue to the plot. As with Atkinson’s Jackson Brody sequence, I gave up.

The next time I am in the mood for crime fiction, I think I’ll pull one of my Elmore Leonard novels off the shelf. show less

While serving term in the remand centre, awaiting trial, Michael Hudson discovers the joy of reading, and value of books. He is released after a key witness fails to testify, and promises himself that he will change his ways. When he is approached by a dodgy detective who asks him to participate in a crime, Michael is faced with a dilemma.

I really enjoyed the slow and even pace of this book. The characters are well-rounded and relatable (although, thankfully, not all likeable). It is not the best of Pelecanos’ work (in my opinion) but if is a good read, and not a taxing one. Worth a look, and makes for good holiday reading.

My first Pelecanos novel and I certainly wasn't disappointed. A petty criminal, Michael Hudson finds comfort in books and turns his life around with the help of the prison librarian, Anna.