It’s really hard to describe this book. We open in NYC before WWII, in a world of mobsters. Pea has magical hands and works as an enforcer – she’s always believes she was given them to kill those that deserve it, but as the story goes on, she learns that that’s not always been the case. The book’s in three sections, first for Pea, then her lover Dev, and finally their friend Tamara. And holy shit – the ending! It was a sucker punch, and yet you knew everything had been leading towards it.
All three of the characters are people of color, so the fact of that in that era plays a huge role in this story. I’d have to say it’s mostly historical fiction – the magic plays such a minor role. This is truly about the world that these three are forced to navigate. It was a hard read, but worth it.