A Calamity of Souls transports readers to 1968 Virginia, where Black Vietnam veteran Jerome Washington is on trial for the murder of his white employers, Leslie and Anne Randolph. Jerome, caught at the scene covered in blood, is immediately arrested.
Jack Lee, a white defense lawyer with no experience in murder trials, reluctantly takes on Jerome’s case. Out of his depth, Jack partners with Desiree DuBose, a Black attorney from the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund. Together, they fight to save Jerome from the electric chair, navigating a flawed legal system entrenched in racism.
Baldacci draws from his own experiences as a former attorney and his childhood in 1960s Virginia to create a realistic, tension-filled narrative. A Calamity of Souls offers a nuanced portrayal of racial injustice, capturing the challenges of seeking fairness in an unequal world.
Over a decade in the writing, his latest novel breathes richly imagined and detailed life into a bygone era, taking the reader through a world that will seem both foreign and familiar.
While the language and attitudes may seem jarring to some, Baldacci’s commitment to historical accuracy makes this an eye-opening read. The twisty ending delivers a satisfying conclusion, and the ensemble cast in the audiobook brings the story to life.
Having read 31 of Baldacci’s books, I can confidently say that A Calamity of Souls ranks among his best. The memorable characters and enthralling storyline will remind readers of To Kill a Mockingbird. Four stars.
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The opinions are my own.