To Do Justice


Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
283 Pages
Reviewed on 09/30/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

To Do Justice is a work of fiction in the recent historical, cultural issues, and slice-of-life genres, and is the final novel in the Chicago Trilogy penned by author Frank S. Joseph. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Set against the backdrop of the 1965-66 Chicago race riots, the story follows Pinkie, a biracial orphan from Chicago’s harshest streets, and Mollie, a white Associated Press reporter. Together, they embark on a journey to discover the identity of Pinkie’s birth mother while navigating the racial turmoil and corruption of the era. Through their quest, they aim to achieve both a personal breakthrough and a Pulitzer-worthy story, set amid Martin Luther King Jr.'s fair housing campaign and the city's social unrest.

Author Frank S. Joseph uses research, context, and detail to craft a powerful and immersive novel that brings the racial tensions and social complexities of 1960s Chicago vividly to life. The portrayal of Pinkie, a vulnerable yet resilient young girl, juxtaposed with Mollie’s determination to uncover the truth, created a compelling narrative that was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. I was impressed with the narrative detail around their attitudes, speech, and thought presentation. I felt a deep empathy for Pinkie as she navigated the dangers of the streets and the uncertainty of her identity, while Mollie’s journalistic drive offered much-needed urgency and moral questioning in the story. There’s a clear purpose in the confident storytelling style and so much nuance to think about along the way. The historical context of the Chicago race riots and Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign provided a poignant backdrop that connects readers to contemporary struggles for racial justice. Joseph’s ability to weave personal stories with broader social themes left me thinking about the enduring impact of past conflicts on today’s society and the importance of pursuing truth in the face of adversity. A powerful lesson indeed from a very entertaining and worthwhile read. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend To Do Justice to readers everywhere.

Ibrahim Aslan

To Do Justice by Frank S Joseph tells the emotional tale of Pinkie, an orphaned biracial girl forced to live on the streets by an abusive caretaker. Pinkie longs to know who her biological mother is. She crosses paths with Mollie, a hard-working Associated Press reporter determined to uphold the truth in everything she does. Mollie is often overlooked because she is a woman, but like Pinkie, she has a resilient spirit that refuses to back down in the face of adversity. After Mollie befriends Pinkie, the tenacious reporter attempts to help Pinkie track down her mother. Pinkie's moving journey unfolds against the backdrop of the 1965/1966 race riots in Chicago. These riots transformed the lives of many inner-city families during that period. Discover how this volatile era impacts Pinkie's life and identity. Will our young heroine find her happy ever after?

To Do Justice is a dramatic story that will evoke various emotions within each reader. It is humorous, heartbreaking, uplifting, thought-provoking, and robust. Pinkie's story will resonate with you and become etched into your heart long after you finish reading her tale. Frank S Joseph beautifully explores intricate themes like self-discovery, corruption in law enforcement, ineffective governance, racially driven politics, racial inequality, social injustice, and human rights. This intriguing story is bursting with descriptive scenes and engaging dialogue. Joseph is skilled at bringing his characters and their stories to life. I became engrossed in Pinkie's world from the first chapter. If you love historical fiction centered around the Chicago riots, America in the 1960s, racial identity, and American politics, this is the perfect read for you!

Jefto Pierre

Pinkie is a biracial child who desires to connect with the woman who birthed her. She is being raised by her foster mother, Jolene. Pinkie runs away from home and has to use her wits to navigate the rough Chicago environs. Mollie is a kind, intelligent AP journalist who often feels disregarded by her peers. She has a knack for uncovering the truth. Amid the tense social and political atmosphere, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. organizes a march in a predominantly white neighborhood. His associate intends to use Pinkie as a symbol of unity between the two races. How will these race riots shape Pinkie's life? Will Pinkie reunite with her mother in the end?

This gripping tale explores themes such as self-exploration, racial identity, gender issues, politics and political agendas, social issues, corrupt practices among city officials, and the importance of safeguarding human life. Frank Joseph does a fantastic job of blending memorable historical events and critical social concerns while capturing the turbulent times of the 1960s race riots in Chicago. The main characters are intriguing--their stories will draw you further into their enigmatic and complex worlds. The ending is well-crafted and satisfying. I enjoyed reading Pinkie's profound journey and witnessing her tremendous character growth. I also love how Mollie's character serves as a moral platform and voice of reasoning for readers. Overall, To Do Justice is a vivid and innately mesmerizing read from start to finish. History lovers are sure to enjoy this remarkable tale. I encourage readers to grab their copy of Frank Joseph's riveting novel, To Do Justice, today.

Carol Thompson

To Do Justice by Frank S. Joseph is the third installment in The Chicago Trilogy, a riveting and vivid work of historical fiction set against the backdrop of 1960s Chicago. The story blends a strong sense of place with a complex exploration of race, class, and social justice, as seen through the eyes of Pinkie, a young girl navigating a world of poverty, prejudice, and family tension. Joseph’s prose paints a raw and unfiltered picture of urban life during the Civil Rights era, with authentic dialogue and detailed depictions of the struggles faced by marginalized communities. The novel stands out for its authentic voices and the intense, immersive way it transports readers into the heart of 1960s Chicago.

The characters, particularly Pinkie, are layered and emotionally compelling. She is a resilient child, driven by a search for identity and belonging, while the adults around her, like Jolene and Missus Sawhill, demonstrate the complicated and flawed ways people survive their harsh realities. The novel captures the spirit of Chicago during a turbulent time, with scenes of police confrontations, neighborhood unrest, and community bonds tested under pressure. Frank Joseph intertwines these personal stories with larger social movements, giving readers insight into the era's intimate and political landscapes. To Do Justice will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in well-researched and immersive depictions of 1960s America with a focus on social and racial dynamics, civil rights, systemic inequality, and the struggles of marginalized communities during pivotal historical moments. This is an unforgettable read!