WALK IN DARKNESS

by Hans Habe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 8, 1948

A high charge of combustibles here, which need no detonator, in the story of Negro Washington Roach who- to escape the indignities of Harlem- enlists for the occupation in Germany. There, presumably loved by a peasant girl, Eva, he marries her- without army sanction- when she becomes pregnant. About to be sent home- without Eva- Roach deserts, goes underground, heads a band of criminal characters, steals, eventually kills. Eva, admitting her hate for him, abandons the baby which is put in the charge of a young Jewess, Selma, but Roach, unwilling to accept the fact that Eva had only married him to get to America, tries to buy her back with black market money and stolen jewels. Failing, he is betrayed by Eva, and escaping over the border with Selma and the baby-he is eventually caught, sentenced to death... Presented as a victim of racism, Roach and his story hold many elements of violence and drama, but leave little play for sympathy. Apart from the sensationalism of the subject, one questions if this will have the popularity of Aftermath, Kathrine, etc.

Pub Date: Oct. 8, 1948

ISBN: 0548073244

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1948

Categories: FICTION