Discover the chilling cosmic horror of The Ballad of Black Tom.

H.P. Lovecraft excelled at crafting a rich mythos and establishing a chilling atmosphere. However, he struggled with dialogue, character development, and, unfortunately, held deeply racist views that permeate his work. As a horror enthusiast, I recognize Lovecraft’s significance, but his blatant racism cannot be overlooked, especially in stories like “The Horror at Red Hook,” which follows Detective Thomas Malone as he investigates a dark cult in Brooklyn.

Enter “The Ballad of Black Tom,” a reimagining of that tale through the eyes of Charles “Tommy” Tester, a Black man from Harlem who finds himself caught in a web of power struggles and police scrutiny. Author Victor LaValle turns Lovecraft’s xenophobic narrative on its head, transforming it into a critique of police brutality, racism, and the psychological toll of oppression. Lovecraft would have disapproved.

Tommy is introduced as a hustler, working as a courier or fixer to make ends meet, and he possesses a certain knowledge of magic and arcane artifacts. The story doesn’t bog us down with lengthy explanations about the magic; it simply exists as part of the world. In a longer narrative, this might be frustrating, but at just 149 pages, “The Ballad of Black Tom” prioritizes storytelling over world-building.

Tommy’s journey takes him to Flatbush, where he hopes to earn some cash busking, despite his lack of musical talent. He catches the attention of an elderly man, Robert Suydam, who hires him for a party. This interaction is observed by Officer Malone and private detective Mr. Howard, who attempt to intimidate Tommy into staying away from Flatbush. However, the lure of $300 in the 1920s is too tempting, and Tommy returns, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

**Warning: Spoilers for “The Ballad of Black Tom” ahead.**

Amid the cosmic horrors conjured at Suydam’s home, the assault on the cult in Red Hook, and the police harassment, we see moments between Tommy and his father that add depth to the characters in a way Lovecraft never achieved. Tommy has a genuine character arc, complete with motivations and personality. By the time the climax hits, we’re fully invested in Tommy, who adopts the name Black Tom.

Caring about Black Tom is crucial because he isn’t a traditional hero. In fact, there are no true heroes in this narrative. There are villains and victims, but no one fits the heroic mold. Black Tom retaliates against the white men who seek to exploit and oppress him. While this is cathartic for readers, his vengeance is indiscriminate, hinting at catastrophic consequences for humanity.

By the end, Tommy Tester is a shattered man, weary of the indignities of being Black in a world dominated by white supremacy. He would rather face the indifferent destruction of ancient beings like Cthulhu than endure the relentless cruelty of systemic racism.

“The Ballad of Black Tom” isn’t subtle, but it’s a brisk and engaging read that breathes new life into the Lovecraft mythos, infusing it with genuine emotion. In contrast, “The Horror at Red Hook” lacks a compelling plot, featuring a linear story arc and flat characters. “The Ballad of Black Tom” salvages the intriguing aspects of Lovecraft’s work, making it relevant and worthwhile for modern readers.

You can find “The Ballad of Black Tom” in most e-book stores, but I highly recommend picking up a physical copy at your local independent bookstore or supporting your community library.