The Last Cicada

Caleb Walden's luck could be better.

And when an ex-convict moves to town it goes from bad to worse.

As racial tension explodes across the United States during the summer of 1963, the friendship between the ten-year-old white boy and the black ex-con begins to grow, along with the tension between Caleb and his mother's racist boyfriend, Hurley Cobbs.

Ultimately, Caleb is forced to decide if he should obey Hurley and stay away from the ex-con, or risk the safety of himself and his mother to continue the relationship with his new friend. Whichever decision he makes it may cost him his life.

If you like stories like To Kill a Mockingbird, or The Yellow Crocus, then you will enjoy The Last Cicada.

"Doty weaves a gripping tale and the two mismatched protagonists come to life on the page as realistically sympathetic characters. The novel's 60s setting is skillfully evoked, from the names of penny candies such as Mary Janes and Atomic Fire Balls, to telling quotes from President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. A compelling tale set against the background of mid-20th-century rural New York and the burgeoning civil rights movement. All in all, a touching and satisfying read"

Kirkus Reviews --

Doty weaves a gripping tale and the two mismatched protagonists come to life on the page as realistically sympathetic characters. While Hurley is one-dimensionally evil, the author provides a glimpse into a painful childhood that offers some elucidation of the roots of his racism. The novel's '60s setting is skillfully evoked, from the names of penny candies such as Mary Janes and Atomic Fire Balls to telling quotes from President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Also well-drawn is the precarious state of late childhood, characterized both by simple scenes of rural enjoyment and the constant danger of cruelty from disrespectful adults. Side plots such as Hurley's moonshine scheme and Caleb and his friends' fears of a legendary old swamp woman add both humor and suspense. Frequent repetition of an offensive racial epithet may disturb some readers, but its use is realistic and clearly condemned in the context. All in all, a touching and satisfying read.

A compelling tale set against the background of mid-20th-century rural New York and the burgeoning civil rights movement."

Kirkus Reviews -