Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned

A Classic book in the line of great books of Walter Mosley

Delivered on time and a great read.

Brilliant novel. Socrates Fortlow is a detective of the human condition, as deep as any character in Shakespeare, and this novel, and the sequel, Walkin’ the Dog, speak to our own historical moment in ways that astonish my students in Documenting Black Experiences at Duke University. The only book in the syllabus they rate as high is James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. That good? If you can even ask that, you need to read it now.

This book was real winner. The movie, by the title 'Always Out-numbered,' was really engaging and entertaining, but the book better describes the story behind the actions of many of the charactors. After reading the book [if you've already seen the movie] you'll find yourself saying "Oh, so that's why that happened - it certainly does explain it now!'' The movie starred Lawrence Fishburn, Bill Nun (Radio Raheem from Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing), Bill Duke (The mean-looking black Interrogating detective from Mennace II Society), Bill Cobs, Cicley Tysen, Isaiah Washington, Laurie Metcalf (sister Jackie from sit-com 'Roseanne,' Natalie Cole, and last but not least - Don Cheedle's real-life true love Brigid Coulter. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that Natalie Coal cannot act, because she 'more than proved herself' in this minor, but powerful role as resteraunt owner Iowa Gibbs. Laurie Metcalf was every bit as much ''out of charactor'' in her role as Sandra Bullock was [in her role] in the movie 'Crash,' and like Bullock, she did an excellant performance! The supporting actor of this great movie was a thirteen-year-old new-commer Daniel Williams who played 'Darryle,' the wayward pre-teen thug-wannabe that Socrates (Fishburn) became a mentor and protector to. I'm really surprised that Williams hasn't had more roles in the years that followed [even to-date], because he struck me as such a promising candidate back then. Enjoy!

I wrote a terrible review for the movie "Without Remorse" just now. I came here specifically to say that Mr Walter Mosely not only writes good books, but that the one book of his (that I know of) that was made into a movie, was a good and faithful rendition.Do yourself a favor, watch "Devil in a Blue Dress" instead of "Without Remorse" if you don't kick puppies.

Delivered on time & in the condition promised.

At first you can't believe you can find a role model in a man who has served 28 years in prison for a rape and double murder, but Socrates Fortlow serves as the repository of the most articulate criticism of what's wrong with America - and how each of us can make a difference. Set in the LA of the recent past, we follow - and soon watch in wonder - as this physical and moral giant brings us deep insights into America's unique and deeply flawed economic system, our profound history of racism and our conflicted values. I've used this as supplementary reading for a course in Social Policy. One student shared, "I'm not ashamed to admit I cried repeatedly and fell in love with Socrates." Mosley wrote two other novels in this series ("Walkin' the Dog" is next), and while they don't have the power of this one, they bring Socrates' life and work to redeem his life, through service to his community, to a thoughtful conclusion.  Walkin' the Dog

Before I read this book, I would never have known that I could fall in love with a character who is a violent ex-convict. Socrates Fortlow, two-time murderer and one-time rapist (at least the crimes of which he has been convicted) has spent most of his life learning to survive behind bars.However, eight years after his release from the Indiana State Penitentiary, and his relocation to South Central L.A., he has become much more like his namesake. This collection of interrelated short stories together form a remarkable tale of subtle, and perhaps even unconscious, redemption. Socrates becomes a mentor, best friend, and invaluable member of society. In addition, he learns that not all is black and white, whether it be with regard to morality, or as between the races.The stories and their moral teachings are subtle, like well-crafted fables. I read this in one evening, unable to put down this wonderfully written book.

Like Michael Connelly's Hieronymous 'Harry' Bosch and John Connolly's Charlie Parker, Walter Mosley's Socrates Fortlow has a name to live up to, and like them, he certainly does.Socrates is not a young man; he's survived twenty seven years in jail for murder, and he now aims to spend his days trying to be helpful, to do good and not to be violent any more to help atone for his wrong-doing. However that violence is always still simmering underneath, and he's not afraid to use it in self-defence or defence of his friends. He tries hard to make ends meet, finds a job, and mentors young Darryl who would otherwise be in a gang, and he's a good peacemaker - even if he has to administer a punch or two to get it!This is a series of short stories, some previously published in other sources. They may belie this by each having a few similar sentences to establish Socrates situation at the outset, but they all entwine and work beautifully as a chronological cycle of tales too. Socrates is a classic hard man with a soft centre, a good friend to those who know him well and a sympathetic hero with real depth. Absolutely fantastic.

Great novel by a master of his craft.

I’ve read most of Mosley’s books and this ranks amongst the best. Moving, insightful, and poetic. Classifying this simply as “crime” writing does it a disservice: it offers deep insight into the human condition. And it’s a great read...

Walter Mosley is my new favourite author, recently given to me by my reading buddy. And Socrates Fortlow is just the hero to comment, respond, act in this mixed up world of ours

Good but I love Easy Rawlins