Quick Take

In this cycle of 14 bittersweet stories, Walter Mosley breaks out of the genre--if not the setting--of his bestselling Easy Rawlins detective novels. Only eight years after serving out a prison sentence for murder, Socrates Fortlow lives in a tiny, two-room Watts apartment, where he cooks on a hot plate, scavenges for bottles, drinks and wrestles with his demons. Struggling to control a seemingly boundless rage--as well as the power of his massive "rock-breaking" hands--Socrates must find a way to live an honourable life as a black man on the margins of a white world, a task which takes every ounce of self-control he has. Easy Rawlins fans might initially find themselves disappointed by the absence of a mystery to unravel. But it's a gripping inner drama that unfolds over the pages of these stories, as Socrates comes to grips with the chaos, poverty and violence around him. He tries to get and keep a job delivering groceries; takes in a young street kid named Darryl, who has his own murder to hide; and helps drive out the neighbourhood crack dealer. Throughout, Mosley captures the rhythms of Watts life in prose both lyrical and hard-edged, resulting in a haunting look at a life bounded by lust, violence, fear and a ruthlessly unsentimental moral vision.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned

Introduction

"Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" by Walter Mosley is a collection of 14 bittersweet stories that delve into the life of Socrates Fortlow, an ex-convict struggling to find his place in a world that seems to be against him. Set in the tough neighborhoods of Los Angeles, these stories explore themes of poverty, violence, and the search for redemption. Although some readers initially expected a traditional mystery, they found themselves captivated by the gripping inner drama that unfolds throughout the book.

About Walter Mosley

Walter Mosley (b. 1952) is a prolific author known for his mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins. With a diverse range of works, including literary fiction, science fiction, and nonfiction, Mosley has established himself as a master storyteller. His writing style is evocative and unique, capturing the rhythms of life in his characters' stories. He has received numerous accolades, including an O. Henry Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, a Grammy, and PEN America's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Analysis of Views

A departure from mystery genre: Readers initially expected a whodunnit but were pleasantly surprised to find themselves immersed in a collection of linked short stories. The absence of a traditional mystery plot allowed for a deeper exploration of Socrates Fortlow's inner struggles and his journey towards redemption.
Evocative writing and unique voice: Mosley's writing style captivated readers with its lyrical prose and hard-edged realism. The descriptions of Socrates' life in Watts resonated with readers, creating a vivid portrait of the challenges he faced.
Moving and powerful stories: The stories in "Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" often moved readers to tears with their portrayal of poverty, violence, and the resilience of the human spirit. The characters' experiences struck a chord with readers, evoking empathy and admiration for their strength and determination.
Interconnected stories: The interconnected nature of the stories allowed readers to follow Socrates Fortlow's journey over a period of time. This approach added depth and complexity to the narrative, as readers witnessed his growth and development throughout the book.
Exploration of themes: The book tackled various themes such as black invisibility, persistence, friendship, and the search for morality. These themes resonated with readers, providing insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the importance of personal growth and self-discovery.

Reasons for Recommendation

Gripping inner drama: Readers appreciated the gripping inner drama that unfolded throughout the book, as Socrates Fortlow navigated the chaos and violence of his surroundings. The exploration of his emotional journey captivated readers and kept them engaged from start to finish.
Evocative writing style: Mosley's evocative writing style captivated readers with its lyrical prose and hard-edged realism. His ability to capture the rhythms of life in Watts and bring the characters to life made "Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" a memorable reading experience.
Thought-provoking themes: The book explored themes such as poverty, violence, and the search for redemption that resonated with readers on a deeper level. The exploration of these themes provided insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and encouraged readers to reflect on their own lives and values.

Conclusion

"Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" by Walter Mosley is a powerful collection of linked short stories that delves into the life of Socrates Fortlow, an ex-convict struggling to find his place in a world that seems to be against him. Through evocative writing and thought-provoking themes, Mosley captures the struggles and triumphs of a man trying to overcome his past and find meaning in his present. While some readers initially expected a traditional mystery, they found themselves captivated by the gripping inner drama that unfolds throughout the book. With its exploration of poverty, violence, and redemption, "Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" is a must-read for anyone seeking thought-provoking fiction that resonates on a deeper level.