Mosley's fiction generally treats social problems that have strong contemporary interest, in spite of his historical approach. The novel is especially informative also about the historical movement of African Americans to Los Angeles. Discussion might be pursued along both contemporary and historical lines, with reference to actual events of the novel's time frame. The discussion group might gather additional factual information which would enhance the look at history.

The character Easy Rawlins should provoke stimulating discussion. A good approach to take is a comparison with other hard-boiled detective heroes, like the Continental Op of Hammett's Red Harvest (1929) or the protagonist in Ross Macdonald's Blue City (1947). These novels are of particular interest partly because their heroes are returning soldiers. Macdonald's hero, for example, encounters postwar urban corruption. The notable differences between Easy and his literary predecessors should emerge through the comparative approach.

1. After DeWitt Albright tells Easy...