Smith obviously takes this to the extreme but what a great way to grab the reader’s attention. And what is justice, true justice, for the past generations enslaved and what is the right penance that those whose ancestors enslaved others must pay. The question is really what outlet is appropriate. Smith also addresses the anger and rage that is inside many African-American men and posits that without an outlet this rage will destroy. How it continues to control how our lives play out, particularly for African-Americans. Smith has found an interesting way to talk about how our history of slavery affects all of us. And so, Martin is faced with an awful dilemma, join the society or be killed himself so the society can remain secret. 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. The power of rage – “Forty Acres” by Dwayne Alexander Smith
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