Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is a compelling novel by Tom Franklin that explores themes of racial tension, isolation, and redemption in rural Mississippi.
The story centers on Larry Ott, a socially isolated white mechanic who lives alone and carries the burden of being suspected in the disappearance of a girl decades ago. The narrative weaves between past and present, revealing Larry's troubled childhood where he was bullied and ostracized, with his only friend being Silas "32" Jones, a black boy who later becomes the town's constable. When another young girl goes missing in the present day, old wounds are reopened as the town once again suspects Larry, who becomes the victim of a violent attack.
The novel masterfully explores the complex relationship between Larry and Silas, whose childhood friendship was torn apart by racial prejudices and tragic circumstances. Through alternating timelines, we learn about key events including Larry's ill-fated date with Cindy Walker, Silas's return to Chabot as a law enforcement officer, and the truth behind both disappearances. The story delves deep into themes of prejudice, forgiveness, and the weight of past actions, while examining how childhood experiences shape adult lives. The title itself comes from a children's spelling rhyme for "Mississippi," symbolizing the cyclic nature of prejudice and pain in the Deep South. The novel's rich character development, particularly through Larry Ott's characterization as a sympathetic outcast, and its exploration of racial dynamics in the American South, creates a powerful narrative about redemption and the possibility of healing old wounds.
