I read this book in 3 sittings as I was very keen to know what happens to the main protagonists, visualising their plight and struggles.
The author builds interest in the characters and slowly takes you through the pain of their journeys and their battles with the central issues of the book and with the legal justice system. The courtroom drama is well paced.
This thought-provoking tale of expectations and disappointments, prejudice and intolerance, love and forgiveness, provides a snapshot of troubled times in a melting pot in Brooklyn.
I enjoyed this book. Has the ending been set up for a sequel?
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance review copy.

This is a stunningly good debut novel with an authentic emotional core that is absolutely outstanding. The plot is complex and compelling and the characterisation poignant and thought-provoking. The genius in the writing here is that the author knows how to tell a good story and sets it all against cultural and political backdrops that enhance the emotive quality of his character arcs. The racial tragedies played out on the page are sadly still relevant and reflect the dark underbelly that is the flipside of the American Dream and continue to take innocent lives.
When Sofia's and Sylvester's worlds collide it lends the narrative a tidal flow that is impossible to resist. Legal suspense and courtroom drama is delivered in accomplished style without ever slowing the pace or confusing the reader with legalese. Romance is handled with tender integrity as are Edward's physical and mental problems.
Novels such as 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'A Time To Kill' set a high benchmark for the genre but 'A Hate Crime In Brooklyn' raises it - and then some!
What a great curtain raiser for a literary career.

When Sofia Hushemi, a sheltered Albanian immigrant, carelessly collides with Sylvester Stanley on her way home from Prospect Park, both escape injury. But upon discovering the loss of a precious ring, gifted to her by her brother-in-law, Victor, the feared kingpin of the Albanian Mafia, she frantically presumes Stanley, a black man, was not a jogger, but a culprit.

Soon Sofia is battling for her life, as it is thought that she has set up Sylvestor for a hate crime by giving an order for a couple of Vince’s hard men to shoot him after the loss of the ring. But is this what really happened?

Sofia, after an arranged marriage at the tender age of 16 she is married to Edward, a very soft kind man but one that is suffering from severe PTSD. Her world is limited by looking after her husband and caring for her daughter. The only other light in Sofia’s life is when she meets another young woman who is suffering from the hands of an abusive husband, and they build a close friendship.

This book focuses on themes including, race, love, jealousy, friendship, and acceptance. Sofia’s world is thrown into chaos after her collision with Sylvestor. Her life as an Albanian woman is closely monitored by family, mainly Victor who rules the family, and everything must be approved by him, or you will suffer at his hands. Sofia is put on trial and the results will be explosive for all.

This was my first book by this author, and I will now be interested in reading more. Great characterisation that provides a clear insight into the Albanian culture and a plot that moves along nicely to capture your attention. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own. 3.5 rounded up to four stars.