Review of: Ms. Etta's Fast House by Victor McGlothin


Set in 1947, St. Louis, Missouri, this story follows the struggles of many black people during that time period.  The Ville was the place to be if you wanted to drink, play cards, or dance the night away with women. Ms. Etta's seen it all and then some in her lifetime.  One of her dearest friends, Baltimore Floyd, is a hustler. Always looking for the next scam to make money at.  He decides St. Louis is the place to be.  His next scam might be his last.  The cast of characters include doctors, nurses, cops and society ladies.


This book is a perfect snapshot of 1947 America.  I love that it tells the story straight up with no sugar coating it.  I'm amazed at the things I learned in this book, even though it's fiction.  This sad, poignant story will catch your attention from the first paragraph and not let you go.  You feel as though you've stepped back in time.


The only thing I saw wrong was there were so many characters and so many stories being told, it was difficult to keep them all straight. More like a soap opera than a work of fiction.


I give this book 4 out of 5 books cause I'm such a history buff.