Title: Escape from the Clan
Author: Gregory Marcel
Publisher: Gotham Books
ISBN: 979-8-88775-805-3
Pages: 201
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewer: Arthur Thares

Read Book Review

Escape from the Clan is a harrowing story which reminds us that there are still evils in the world. Even though this is a work of fiction, some of the ideas in this book will hit too close for some readers. Still, stories like this should be read to ensure that they remain works of fiction. Gregory Marcel’s book isn’t without its flaws, but flaws add character. Before you judge a book by its title alone, you’ll want to hear more about it.

The story itself feels a bit out of time, but unfortunately, the kinds of racism that are displayed in this book are still prevalent today. In the beginning, you meet Roger, the main character of the story, who, despite some less-than-savory activity, wants to be a good guy. Roger is dating a white woman named Casey, but unbeknownst to him, Casey’s dad is part of a nefarious white supremacist organization, and he has put a hit out on Roger’s head. At first, the couple doesn’t quite understand the extent of the threat that is facing Roger, but things continue to get more serious until a climactic third act that puts Roger in grave danger. As the story winds down, you feel like you are hit with a few curveballs, and the book ends on a fun but slightly disappointing cliffhanger where what happens next is left to the imagination of the reader.

One of the many things that makes this book unique is its structure. Each chapter has a unique title, but above that is the name of the character the chapter focuses on. The first few chapters focus heavily on character development, which is amazing because you feel like you have a relationship with the characters. These relationships also make emotions come out of the reader in different ways. Since this book deals heavily in the kind of racism you’d expect in the Jim Crow era, it can feel a bit disjointed at times, remembering that it doesn’t take place in the 1950s, but rather the turn of the century.

Stories like this are meant to be uncomfortable, but they are also important to remind us of a not-so-distant past. This story uses the N-word significantly, but it is in context and meant to show how disgusting it is. Gregory Marcel tells a story that seems like a distant memory for some, but all too close to today’s reality for others. Some people may shy away from the content of this book, but being uncomfortable is the point. Escape from the Clan reminds us of a lot of real-life lessons, but the two biggest themes are that you can do everything right and things still may not work out, and that Karma comes for us all eventually. Escape from the Clan serves as both a compelling story and a conversation-starter, ideal for readers, educators, and book clubs seeking to explore the roots of racism  and the strength it takes to break free.