A Calamity of Souls - BY David Baldacci

"A Calamity of Souls" by David Baldacci is a gripping courtroom drama set in 1968 southern Virginia. Jack Lee, a white lawyer from Freeman County, takes on the defense of Jerome Washington, a Black man accused of a heinous crime against a prominent white couple. Lee, who has never challenged racism before, faces doubts about his abilities and the fairness of the legal system. Alongside him is Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago committed to justice and equality, who joins forces with Lee despite their contrasting backgrounds. Together, they confront a powerful prosecutor and external forces threatening the progress of the Civil Rights movement. As they strive for a fair trial amidst racial tensions, "A Calamity of Souls" paints a vivid picture of a turbulent era, blending historical realism with a compelling narrative of justice and perseverance.