Characters
Mosley's creation, the indomitable Easy Rawlins, has been celebrated as a landmark figure in mystery literature. Easy emerges as a refreshing reimagining of the archetypal hard-boiled detective, transplanted into the vibrant tapestry of African-American society and its rich historical context. He is crafted from the timeless threads of human nature, embodying universal traits. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by scarcity, Easy possesses an astute street smarts, a profound moral compass, and an agile intellect. His voracious reading habits span the adventurous Ian Fleming, the realist Emile Zola, and the philosophical musings of Marcus Aurelius.
Gone are the days when Easy harbored dreams of striking it rich through speculation. Now, he deeply values the stability he has cultivated—a respectable home and a steady job as head custodian. This new chapter in life requires him to don different personas to navigate various situations. Easy conjures up fake identities, alters his speech, and adopts the stoic demeanor of a "deep south" man when a police officer dismissively calls him "boy." He's ready to deceive when necessary, ever prepared for the next challenge. The unpredictability of street life is his constant companion, as he deftly maneuvers through the chaos, hoping to regain his footing before calamity strikes.
Easy grips readers' hearts from the outset, his journey weaving through a whirlwind of characters, each appearing briefly in his captivating narrative. Among these figures, Jesus and Feather stand out, emblematic of Easy's devotion to family and his deep-seated concern for children's well-being. Jesus, with maturity beyond his years, manages the household in Easy's absence, even safeguarding funds for tougher times. The children fuel Easy's determination to crack the case, driven partly by the need to shield them from legal scrutiny for not being officially adopted.
Feather yearns for a "mommy" at home, yet such a vision remains elusive. Instead, Idabell Turner's little yellow dog finds its way to Feather, a small consolation. Idabell herself, with "curves that even a suit of armor couldn't hide," embodies the fleeting, lust-driven connections that complicate Easy's world. Through Idabell, Easy encounters Bonnie Shay, a woman who becomes central to his most intricate relationship. Idabell's allure pales in comparison to Bonnie's beauty, especially as he observes her tender interactions with his children.
Bonnie's character brings the issue of racism to the forefront. Born in French Guiana and raised in New Jersey, she works for Air France, symbolizing the more progressive racial dynamics elsewhere. "You're the first black stewardess I ever heard of," Easy remarks. Her choice to reside in racially charged Los Angeles instead of abroad is tied to her past with Idabell's brother-in-law, Roman Gasteau. Idabell and Bonnie, alongside the murdered smugglers Roman and Holland Gasteau, represent the fractured gender relations that are prevalent in Easy's world. Bonnie's evasive nature regarding her involvement in the murders casts a shadow over Easy's romantic interest in her.
The revelation of Bonnie's duplicity heightens Easy's torment as the novel draws to a poignant close, marked by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the tragic fall of Mouse. Throughout the series, Easy has leaned on the ruthless yet reliable Raymond Alexander, known as Mouse. "In the hard life of the streets, you needed somebody like Mouse at your back," Easy acknowledges. Even in Mouse's absence, their bond fuels Easy's resolve. "Thinking about Mouse and his drive to survive flowed through me like molten steel," Easy reflects during a heated confrontation.
Easy marks a turning point for Mouse in 1961, the year President Kennedy took office. Mouse sought redemption then, haunted by the possibility of having killed his own father. At EttaMae's request,...
(This entire section contains 1172 words.)
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Easy gave Mouse and his wife jobs at the school. "I'd been in love with her, off and on, for my entire adult life," Easy admits. Mouse is seen trying to turn over a new leaf, working as a janitor, living with his family, seeking guidance from a preacher, and opting for peaceful resolutions. "You always did look after Raymond," EttaMae acknowledges with warmth, though their relationship sours when Easy unwittingly puts Mouse in a dangerous situation, leading to a devastating outcome.
Among the characters who orbit Easy's universe, none rival Mouse in significance, though occasionally, Jackson Blue emerges. In this tale, Jackson provides Easy with an opportunity to negotiate with Philly Stetz, a prominent white bookie. Jackson is sharp, yet untrustworthy, "better than a library when it came to the criminal side of L.A.—both black and white." His situation exemplifies the unfortunate reality that African-Americans often struggle to trust one another. As Jackson defies the established white gangsters, Easy shelters him. However, Jackson betrays this trust, pilfering the grocery money Jesus had so prudently hidden away for emergencies.
The Shadow of Gangster Sallie Monroe
Infamous gangster Sallie Monroe, embroiled in the chaotic shootout that ultimately claims Mouse, embodies yet another "good mind" shackled by the constraints of a life of crime. Sallie's disdain for whites, rooted in their refusal to acknowledge his talents, fuels his animosity. "Like most black men, Sallie took out his anger on other Negroes." This tumultuous backdrop provides Easy with a stage to deftly navigate the intricate web of deceit and vice woven through a diverse cast of school staff, law enforcement, and ruffians. Among them, Mexican American Sergeant Sanchez, the Caucasian Captain Fogherty, and the ruthless white officer Drake vividly illustrate the corrupt justice system from which Easy artfully eludes capture.
Entangled Loyalties and Power Plays
Easy's janitorial role owes its existence to his white supervisor, Bertrand Stowe, who granted him the position in exchange for a favor. Gangster Sallie's possession of incriminating photographs depicting the married Bertrand with African-American prostitute Grace Phillips sets the stage for blackmail. Bill Bartlett, the man Bertrand displaced from the custodial role, becomes the catalyst for the unfolding turmoil that now ensnares Easy. The arrogant principal, Hiram T. Newgate, loathes Easy's refusal to "bow down" and is all too eager to implicate him in any recent misdeeds. Yet, a breath of fresh air comes in the form of Ace Muldoon, "the first white man who was ever properly in my employ." Ace staunchly defends Easy to the authorities, praising him as "the best boss I ever had."
The Soul-Stirring Sound of Lips McGee
For Easy, the ultimate upliftment comes from the legendary trumpeter Lips McGee, a rare yet captivating presence. Lips and his trumpet have long been beacons of inspiration and unity for African-Americans, especially during times of harsh racial oppression. Easy reflects on the thunderous cheers that greet Lips after his performances, a testament "for all the years he'd kept us alive in northern apartments living one on top of the other." Lips is celebrated "for remembering the pain of police sticks and low pay and no face in the mirror of the times." A symbol of African-American cultural identity, Lips may lament aging and "there ain't nuthin' new t'play," but Easy finds solace. "That horn spoke the language of my history," Easy muses, as he listens to Lips' stirring melodies resonate through the Black Chantilly Club.
