An unconventional game of cat and mouse between Ray and his childhood companion Scottie leads Ray to settle down in small town Lorena and give a new style of life a chance. Both orphans failed by the system, they attempt to regain contact, with Ray following Scottie's trail and meeting his past acquaintances on the way.

The story explores how race is navigated in America, with constant references, both subtle and blatant, thrown out in the many, many dialogues. The message is clear throughout the book - no one, not even Ray (who is black) and Scottie (who is white) can quite believe that Ray ended up the one with good fortune. It's a great insight into race relations in the US and highlights the varying opinions between political parties.

I was intrigued by the use of the Great Gatsby. After repeated comparison by the author, I was able to recognise similarities but I'm not sure it would have been the point of comparison I'd have made. I understand the use of calm, slow development reflected Gatsby's own life, but I wanted to know more by the end and finished underwhelmed.

Ray's character development was the winner for me, with his self-awareness, modesty and well thought out actions. His persistence in what came across as a one-way friendship was admirable and his ability to stay calm and collected when provoked was powerful to read from a third person narrative. I wanted more for his love life, truly.

The book is a good read, it just needs a little more oomph.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.