

When I first read the synopsis for this one I didn't think it would really be suited to my tastes, but I was intrigued still — fathers of a mixed race gay couple coming together to avenge their sons is, in a twisted way, a bit heartwarming after all. Seeing the raving reviews from other readers, as well as really enjoying the last Cosby book I read ("All the Sinners Bleed") made me actually give "Razorblade Tears" a shot though.
Turns out I know myself quite well, because this one didn't wow me the same way it has for other readers.
Objectively speaking, this is a good book — it's fast paced, action packed, and there's never a dull moment. I'd say it reads like a box office hit buddy cop movie, except instead of cops the buddies are ex-cons who are hellbent on getting revenge for the murder of their sons. It's also a story about guilt, grief, acceptance, and it definitely does not shy away from addressing racism and homophobia head on as well. There are some pretty powerful statements made by various characters throughout, and it was nice to see the fathers both begin to accept their sons for who they were, even if it was a little too late. But I found myself skimming through all the gang shootouts and other action bits because I was not personally as interested in those scenes as I was in the actual character development happening in-between.
So if you're a fan of action stories, then you'll probably love this book and I'd highly recommend you give it a chance. But for those who aren't as into the action/revenge stuff, then maybe skip this one and try one of Cosby's other books because he is an excellent writer who knows how to craft a story.
When I first read the synopsis for this one I didn't think it would really be suited to my tastes, but I was intrigued still — fathers of a mixed race gay couple coming together to avenge their sons is, in a twisted way, a bit heartwarming after all. Seeing the raving reviews from other readers, as well as really enjoying the last Cosby book I read ("All the Sinners Bleed") made me actually give "Razorblade Tears" a shot though.
Turns out I know myself quite well, because this one didn't wow me the same way it has for other readers.
Objectively speaking, this is a good book — it's fast paced, action packed, and there's never a dull moment. I'd say it reads like a box office hit buddy cop movie, except instead of cops the buddies are ex-cons who are hellbent on getting revenge for the murder of their sons. It's also a story about guilt, grief, acceptance, and it definitely does not shy away from addressing racism and homophobia head on as well. There are some pretty powerful statements made by various characters throughout, and it was nice to see the fathers both begin to accept their sons for who they were, even if it was a little too late. But I found myself skimming through all the gang shootouts and other action bits because I was not personally as interested in those scenes as I was in the actual character development happening in-between.
So if you're a fan of action stories, then you'll probably love this book and I'd highly recommend you give it a chance. But for those who aren't as into the action/revenge stuff, then maybe skip this one and try one of Cosby's other books because he is an excellent writer who knows how to craft a story.