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1955: The Era of a Gangster's Love
The Year is 1955. Racial tensions are high in the Deep South as the country embarks on the start of the Civil Rights Movement. In Jacksonville Florida, a tiny section of town known as Lavilla is the place where colored people thrive. The people of Lavilla have successfully built up a community that can withstand the test of time. Frank Marsetti, a crooked politician soon sets his sights on Lavilla and its thriving businesses. He quickly teams up with a ruthless local pimp and together they seek to takeover Lavilla and all its inhabitants. But little do these two men know, Lavilla already has its leader and his name is Ransom Bodean. Reba Bodean is an old woman bitter at the world and suffering from dementia. Her thoughts may be cloudy but one thing is very clear to her. During the summer of 1955 a gangster named Ransom Bodean walked into her life and changed it forever. Take a trip down memory lane with Mrs. Reba as she recalls a time when real gangsters move in silence, the code of the streets is strictly upheld, and a man would risk it all for the woman he loves. Find out why the year 1955...was truly “ The Era of a Gangster’s Love”.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2019
35 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Crum
9 books63 followersThis Florida native currently resides in Jacksonville Florida. Autumn's over active imagination often got her into lot's of trouble growing up. A veracious reader and lover of urban fiction, Autumn's love of writing began at the tender age of seven when her mother gave her a journal for Christmas. Her writing dreams became a reality in April 2014 when she was signed her first publishing contract. Her debut novel RUDEBOY was a FIVE star URBAN FICTION BESTSELLER
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The way the author wove a story together about black people who were strong, successful, and feared coupled with action and humor during a time when black people were still being looked at and treated like scum was awesome. I laughed so many times! Bodean and his crew were not to be played with! And I came to realize that neither was Reba! I thought Hollywood would be a snake because he was acting real jealous, but he was a solid dude. Oh, and lets not forget Mama Lou. She was wit it! But, you can call her Mrs.Bullock because she don't know you like that! LOL. The ending surprised me, but I loved it. Very good read.
February 9, 2019
A vivid historical
This book is like going back in time. The writing is so descriptive that I can see it in my mind, much like watching a movie. The accurate details of a town trying to grow in a tumultuous era kept me ensconced in the drama.
This book is like going back in time. The writing is so descriptive that I can see it in my mind, much like watching a movie. The accurate details of a town trying to grow in a tumultuous era kept me ensconced in the drama.
February 5, 2019
LOVED IT FROM PAGE 1 ... THIS STEP BAQ IN TIME WAS AMAZING ... MRS REBA WAS AN EXCELLENT STORYTELLER IT'S AMAZING HOW MAMA LOU GRAND DAUGHTER IS TAKING CARE OF HER AND SHE DON'T RECOGNIZE HER OWN CHILD... RANSOM WAS A VERYYYYYY BAD MAN IN A GOOD WAY THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE HIM NO MORE...
February 3, 2019
Interesting read
This was my first time reading a historical urban fiction book and it was very good. Ransom was a true gangsta he did what he had right do for his community and his lady. Definitely worth reading.
This was my first time reading a historical urban fiction book and it was very good. Ransom was a true gangsta he did what he had right do for his community and his lady. Definitely worth reading.
April 10, 2019
Yesterday's gone and tomorrow's not promised, but we should celebrate our elder's in spite of their contrariness. 1955 is introduced with matriarch, Ms. Reba, who we are informed has a case of dementia with a swig of mean-ness. But trust and believe Ms. Reba has a story to tell and I'm so glad I took a seat at the feet of wisdom.
1955, LaVilla, Fl was a small town with a predominant African-American population that was self-sufficient and thriving. Frank Marcetti is a politician in the neighboring city that has set his sights on LaVilla for a lucrative business move, and the only thing standing in his way is a man by the name of Ransom Bodean. Ransom Bodean is a bold gangster that does not bow down to any man, white or black, he's fearless and basically a legend that is well respected in LaVilla. Reba enters the picture when she's forced into a lewd lifestyle by a local pimp and the fireworks literally begin when Ransom lays eyes on Reba.
1955 is a refreshing read, with a historical platform, but is chock-full of breath-taking moments that will be sealed into your memory. The author captivates you with the most enchanting characters, emotional plots and the development is on point. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will look forward to following Autumn Crum in the near future. Major Kudo's!! 4.48
1955, LaVilla, Fl was a small town with a predominant African-American population that was self-sufficient and thriving. Frank Marcetti is a politician in the neighboring city that has set his sights on LaVilla for a lucrative business move, and the only thing standing in his way is a man by the name of Ransom Bodean. Ransom Bodean is a bold gangster that does not bow down to any man, white or black, he's fearless and basically a legend that is well respected in LaVilla. Reba enters the picture when she's forced into a lewd lifestyle by a local pimp and the fireworks literally begin when Ransom lays eyes on Reba.
1955 is a refreshing read, with a historical platform, but is chock-full of breath-taking moments that will be sealed into your memory. The author captivates you with the most enchanting characters, emotional plots and the development is on point. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will look forward to following Autumn Crum in the near future. Major Kudo's!! 4.48
March 9, 2019
LOVED IT!!!!
Wow, what a great read. This book took me back to the Jim Crow south so vividly that I felt I was right there in the pages. It brought a little history, politics and an era when blacks truly looked after each other. Dealing with segregation, the KKK, it was a time when we struggled for human rights. Gangster Bodean is one of the civil rights leaders in this book, but not in a way you heard about in history. I found it truly amazing how Ms Crum penned this story. It was enriching, captivating, humorous and disheartening. You won't be disappointed by this fast paced, 5 star read. Definitely checking out another one of her books.
Wow, what a great read. This book took me back to the Jim Crow south so vividly that I felt I was right there in the pages. It brought a little history, politics and an era when blacks truly looked after each other. Dealing with segregation, the KKK, it was a time when we struggled for human rights. Gangster Bodean is one of the civil rights leaders in this book, but not in a way you heard about in history. I found it truly amazing how Ms Crum penned this story. It was enriching, captivating, humorous and disheartening. You won't be disappointed by this fast paced, 5 star read. Definitely checking out another one of her books.
February 20, 2019
This is my first read from this author and I enjoyed it. Of course, there were some things told that Reba would not have known since she wasn't there to witness or hear them, and nobody involved would have told her. But still, it was good and entertaining.
April 30, 2019
I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed how it ended, I ALSO ENJOY the fact that it's a STAND alone...... GOOD JOB
September 3, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, the author definitely had a nice flow on past and present. Kudos to you Ms. Crum!! Looking forward to reading other books by you.
August 2, 2020
I've really enjoyed this read. It was authentic, raw, and real. I feel in love with Ransom. I loved his and Reba's relationship. I wish there was a part two about her son Charlie.
February 28, 2022
awesome story
It took me back to the old days when people truly stuck together and neighbors was true every one knew each other good story telling
It took me back to the old days when people truly stuck together and neighbors was true every one knew each other good story telling
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews