Them by Nathan McCall - Book Review

Them is Nathan McCall's debut novel. In it, McCall explores issues of race and gentrification through the story of Barlowe, a middle aged black man who lives in Atlanta's Fourth Ward. When a white couple moves in next door, Barlowe eventually forms a friendship with the wife while continuing to experience tension over the ways that white people are changing the neighborhood.

Them is not only a page turning story with well developed characters and voice, it is also a thought-provoking look at race relations in 2007 America.

What is the state of race relations in 2007 America? In Nathan McCall's debut novel, Them, he paints a bleak but believable picture of the relationship between blacks and whites in America's cities. Them takes place in Atlanta's historic Fourth Ward, former home of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a community with deep roots and pride, but also with its share of problems. Situated close to downtown, the Fourth Ward is premium real estate, attracting white buyers who want to live in the city and who also believe they are promoting integration.

McCall tells the story of gentrification in the Fourth Ward through Barlowe, a working class black man, and Sandy, a socially active white woman who moves in to the house next door. Barlowe and Sandy's ideas and relationships change during the novel as the result of their friendship.

Them is a page turning and thought provoking book because McCall does not over simplify the situation or make generalizations. By taking us into the minds of white and black characters, McCall exposes the roots of misunderstanding, and reveals how differences in history, culture and underlying assumptions contribute to racial tension. He also provides enough action and plot to make the story move quickly.

I enjoyed and was challenged to examine my assumptions about race by Them. It is a novel I will be thinking about for a while. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well written and thoughtful book.