New York Times bestselling author and "the reigning champ of
nostalgia noir" (The New York Times Book Review) James Lee Burke
returns with a powerful novel in the Holland Family series set in
1950s Texas, as the specter of the Korean War looms.
On its surface, life in 1950s Houston is as you'd expect: stoic fathers,
restless teens, drive-in movies, and souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath
that surface lies a world shifting under high school junior Aaron
Holland Broussard's feet. The underlying class war between the haves
and have nots is growing steadily, along with the menace of conflict
overseas in Korea, providing a harrowing backdrop to his growth to
manhood. But when Aaron spots the beautiful Valerie Epstein at a
drive-in, he steps in when he sees her fighting with her boyfriend,
Grady Harrelson. Aaron's newfound confidence helps catch Valerie's eye,
and the two begin dating. Grady is a live wire though, and presents a
looming problem for Aaron.
You will recall the feelings and inspirational power of your first love,
and empathize with Aaron's extraordinary challenges to protect himself
and the ones he loves in "this dark, atmospheric story" (Publishers
Weekly). The Jealous Kind illustrates how first loves, friendship,
violence, and power can alter what traditional America means for the
people trying to find their way in a changing world.
