Sometimes when I read a book that is stellar I'm a little nervous about writing a review. I fear that I will not be able to capture the magic of the book and do it justice. Razorblade Tears is just such a book. And yet here I am and here's the deal: It's a book that is getting all the buzz, being named on all the "best of the year so far" lists, and will definitely be an award-winner (in fact it may already be nominated for something). So whatever I write here, know that this is a book you should read.
Ike Randolph is a Black man who has left his criminal past behind him and built a successful business and marriage. Buddy Lee is a white man who spends more time drunk then he does sober. They have both struggled with the fact that their sons, Isiah and Derek, were gay and were not supportive when the younger men married. Now Isiah and Derek have been murdered and it's too late for Ike and Buddy Lee to mend those relationships. There's nothing left for them but revenge.
Two ex-con fathers join forces to find the person(s) responsible for the murder of their sons. Sounds like your basic revenge thriller, right? But this beautifully written book is so much more. It's powerful and electrifying as it explores issues of race and homophobia and family and redemption in a story that will wring every emotion out of you.