"Tuscaloosa Knights" by Brad Vice

I enjoyed "Tuscaloosa Knights." It was entertaining and thought-provoking. And apart from the quality of the story, Vice did a good job to make it vivid and give it many layers. While reading it, I always had the sense of the action being just part of a much bigger world. The reader is much like Marla and Pinion; spectators who want to get as close to the action as possible. I was also always aware of the presence of Marla's husband, even though he is only mentioned. The background Vice gives is short, but very effective. I got a sense of who these characters were and of the enormity of the events happening around them. Marla, the passive protagonist, doesn't drive the story forward, but merely participates in it. She doesn't even understand everything that's happening. She is curious about what's going on, but soon realizes she's in over her head.

It was very interesting to read a story that takes place here in Tuscaloosa. I recognized all of the geographical landmarks and streets. This automatically let me connect to the piece in that way. But I can't help but wonder how differently the story reads to someone not living in Tuscaloosa. To be honest, I felt like Vice used a few too many references to the town. I'm sure someone not from here probably wouldn't feel the same way. But sometimes, I got the feeling as if Vice wanted to pack as many references into the story as he could. To me, this cheapened the story, but only marginally.

Because, in all, this is a very good story with interesting characters, and a fascinating backdrop. Vice creates an array of great images. Picturing the Klan rally going down Queen City was pretty crazy, and the mystery of Bear Bryant's participation was really intriguing. And then, there's the final escalation at the end, when escaped Bryce inmates pass the car in which Marla and Pinion are having sex, and run toward the burning cross illuminated the night sky. Crazy.