Walter Mosley Novel Tackles Morality and Race
New Book Examines Heaven, Hell, and Life on Earth for a Black Man
Oct 1, 2008
Perhaps no contemporary American author writes about the African American experience as clearly, intelligently, and eloquently as Walter Mosley. This is an odd claim for a writer whose body of work consists largely of fiction, but Mosley's Easy Rawlins series, the Fearless Jones series, and his forays into science fiction and nonfiction offer valuable insights for popular and academic audiences.
His newest book is no exception. The Tempest Tales centers on a n African American character who stands in judgment after being shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity. After a life filled with questionable behavior, Tempest, the novel's protagonist (?), is sentenced to spend eternity in hell.
However, Tempest commits the unprecedented act of refusing to accept his judgment, countering that his misdeeds were always committed for good reasons. At the center of his argument is a belief that racism creates a system in which African Americans cannot always abide by the same rules that hold for other people. Saint Peter agrees to return Tempest to earth, along with an angel whose task is to convince Tempest to accept his judgment.
Heaven vs. Hell
What ensues is a series of events in which both Tempest and the angel (in human form) experience the opportunities and constraints of human life. Both men find love and its attendant angst. Tempest must adapt to a new body and identity, while the angel must come to terms with the concept of time.
Then Basel Bob enters the fray. (Say the name slowly.) Bob is introduced as a lawyer -- the jokes are far too easy -- who is eventually revealed as Satan, (i.e., Beelzebub; get it?). The dialogue among the three characters -- a strength of the novel -- takes on the nature of evil and the social construction of morality. Tempest and his would-be persuaders debate the afterlife at length before a resolution -- one poorly conceived and articulated by Mosley -- is reached.
Professor Arrington's Grade
On the whole, Mosley's newest novel shows him near his prime (although Devil in a Blue Dress may never be surpassed in his bibliography). His writing -- especially his gift for crafting intellingent, realistic dialogue -- serves as a worthwhile model for writers in training.
The ending, however, hinders the impact of thee book. Readers might feel confused and disappointed at the book's close. All the same, The Tempest Tales can and will surprise readers, challenging them to consider their own questions about race, age, religion, and life after death. Grade: B.
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