55 pages • 1 hour read
Dennis LehaneSmall Mercies
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane is set in 1974 South Boston during the busing riots and crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger's reign. It follows Mary Pat Fennessy as she searches for her missing daughter, Julia, amidst racial turmoil and organized crime. Mary Pat's quest for answers and justice reveals deeply rooted social issues like racial discrimination, police violence, and the impact of organized crime. The book contains depictions of racism, racial discrimination, substance misuse, violence, and statutory rape.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Dennis Lehane's Small Mercies has garnered mixed responses. Positively noted for its intricate plot and rich character development, it adds depth to Lehane's signature noir style. Some readers, however, found the pacing uneven and the conclusion less satisfying than anticipated. Overall, it remains a compelling read for fans of crime fiction.
Who Should Read Small Mercies?
A reader who enjoys gritty, atmospheric crime novels with deep socio-political undertones would appreciate Dennis Lehane's Small Mercies. Fans of Lehane's Mystic River or Richard Price's Lush Life will find the layered characters and moral complexities compelling. Ideal for those who relish a blend of mystery and social commentary.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Historical Fiction
Race / Racism
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Civil Rights / Jim Crow
Relationships: Mothers
Emotions/Behavior: Revenge
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice