Bell Hammers

Bell Hammers

2020 • 334 pages

Ratings3

Average rating3.8

15

I received this through NetGalley, so I gave it a listen. The author does a good job with the narration. 
This is exactly what the blurb promises. The story of the life of Wilson Remus (Remmy) through his pranks and exploits. He spends his life wanting to surround himself with merry-men, a mixture of Robin Hood comics and Arthurian influence that continued into his adult life. He was giving, but also played pranks at points regardless of the cost. 
Below the surface, the story deals with a character that is flawed. He is arrogant at times, prideful, and vengeful even. However, he does speak to the lord, in funny bits of dialogue, where he is also forgiving and forgetting. He is an accepting and understanding father, and he does read as grounded even with the larger than life pranks. 
It does tackle certain aspects of race, how people should and shouldn't have behaved, and how everyone can be good. It's hard to traverse the time periods without mentioning it (1940-2000s). 
This was not my typical choice for a read, however I did enjoy it, and it was rather fun. I would suggest it to others looking for a lighter read. Personally a 3/5*. 

April 29, 2012Report this review