Kasim who has determined that the only way to deal with black rage, and the painful history every black man must face, he must have the opportunity to be the master in the master-slave relationship.

He realizes, fairly quickly, that he has now joined a secret society of African-American men who have enslaved caucasian people to serve them. Instead Martin is taken to a large plantation home, his bag is taken up to his room by a skittish caucasian boy. When the private jet lands Martin begins to suspect that the armed guards meeting them are not taking them on a rafting trip. After a very careful vetting, Martin is invited for the group’s yearly white-water rafting trip. All of the friends are extremely successful African-American men who seem to have everything. Damon invites Martin to meet some of his friends. Adding to his new-found success, Martin is approached by an extremely successful African-American attorney, Damon. When Martin wins a big lawsuit the firm’s success is guaranteed and he feels like things are all falling into place. He and his partner are slowly building their law firm. Martin Grey is an African-American attorney in New York. I don’t think this takes much away from the story or what the author is trying to convey, it is just is a bit of a hiccup. So in many parts of this novel it seems better written for the screen than a book. Just go into this read knowing that Smith is a screenplay writer. For the story alone, Forty Acres is worth the read. In fact, it is so good I am surprised that this storyline hasn’t been done before. Thank you Dwayne Alexander Smith for a riveting read and a lot to think about.The power of rage – “Forty Acres” by Dwayne Alexander Smith I wish more of us resolved to do the same. The fact that Martin resolved not to live the rest of his life in fear is enheartening. The theme of racial anger and hatred is contemporary and real. So I was pleased that the friends were sitting down to dinner together at the end but also wary of the cable man at the door. At 68 and previously a fan of thrillers and futuristic dystopian fiction, I now find myself preferring “up-lit” and happy endings. The thriller intrigue crept up on me stealthily and was gripping.

But each time I stopped I was so worried for Martin & Anna I had to convince myself to go back to listening as I was scared for them. This story was so intense that I had to restrict my listening to the gym as I wanted to listen carefully. **SPOILER ALERT** I usually listen to audiobooks in the gym or while engaged in a hobby, eg spinning wool or sewing a quilt.

Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith