4 out of 4 stars
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Aftermath; Corruption and Intrigue in Post-Katrina New Orleans is a book written by Charles Williams and published by Outskirts Press. It has three parts and fifty-two short chapters.
Clarence Washington, a New Orleans Baptist minister, seeks to restore and bring healing to residents of his Backuptown neighborhood by sponsoring a residential restoration project following the disaster brought about by Hurricane Katrina. There are a number of people who come out of the woodworks to claim part of the state agency financing, chief among them being Joe Pacello, an accomplished real-estate developer who owes a dangerous character a lot of money. The mayor also wants his cut, alongside many other people below in the ‘foodchain’.
Caught up in this whole debacle is Clint Johnson, a Baltimore banker of note, who has to make everybody happy in spite of having financial problems at home with an autistic daughter and his wife being bi-polar.
The author sets the story in the year 2007, two years after the hurricane hit the city. His storytelling is easy to follow. I found myself engrossed as I read the book, perfect for killing time on a commute in traffic. I recommend it to those who are looking for something entertaining to read that also gives insights into how the world of public finance works. I would caution those averse to strong language and derogatory remarks here and there touching on race and gender. I also don't think it would be good for a young audience.
I liked how the author was able to weave between the good intents of characters like the Church minister and the dark intents of those who wanted to get their hands into the coffers. For instance, typical things that happen in a ministry like the mention of prophecies, optimistic talk that border on delusion, struggles with compromise (paying local hoodlums to provide security), etc, are elaborated in the book. Also, some characters’ backstories like Clint and Pacello are included that help us get a good grasp of their states of mind and where their insecurities come from (in context) as the story unfolds. There wasn’t anything I disliked most about the book.
Aftermath is well edited, well structured and the story just flows. The story is memorable and I’m sure those who are familiar with New Orleans and the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina will relate well with this book. Hopefully, it won’t open old wounds for those who were affected by the event. I think the book deserves a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
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Aftermath
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