Ben Kom arrives in Italy, as a youth, half-expecting to find himself in paradise, but he is a black African, and his skin colour seems to have defined him as a second class citizen, in a country where racism is still rife.
The author is brave and bold in his approach to difficult subject matters - race and religion - separately or combined they have been the root of all evil since time immemorial. As Ben's career as a physician gathers momentum so does the jealousy and hatred encircling him.
The results of racial hatred are, of course, devastating and profoundly disturbing, and this book needs to be read with mental alertness and integrity, and a willingness to share in the pain of the characters.

This book is pretty confronting at times on a number of levels. It addresses some very real, ugly truths about prejudice and disadvantage and it also does an amazing job of bringing dark crimes into vivid colour. The author has a knack for description so it is difficult not to feel very immersed in the often terrifying events of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Troubador for this. Good read. Wow. The synopsis was intriguing so when. I requested the book, I felt it was going to be gripping and going to hold my attention which it did. The book felt with a murder of a friend and and how predilection and social injustice plays a part in how they decide what happened. I hate to give too much away as the book was interesting. I recommend reading this book because it will keep your attention.

"The Abyss of Hatred" by Joseph Kamsu is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the dark realities of social racism and injustice. Ben, a successful doctor in Milan, finds his life turned upside down when he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his friend Barbara. As he navigates the corrupt legal system and fights against prejudice, Ben is forced to confront the harsh truth of societal indifference. With the help of his determined defense attorney, Sarah, Ben embarks on a quest for justice and the truth behind Barbara's murder. Kamsu's writing is compelling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Trigger warning at the beginning of the story is very graphic with violence so if you feel that this will trigger you, please be prepared as it is very detailed.