What do You think about Bloodbrothers (1999)?
Pretty decent apprentice fiction, with the total lack of self control you'd expect in a mid-20s writer but with the top notch dialogue that would later make Price fantastic in his work on The Wire and very strong in Lush Life. Lots of cursing, graphic sex, more N-word usage than a DMX song, a number of plot threads that disappear. However, the characterizations seem mostly legit and Price really does have an ear for transcribing the spoken word in a very accurate, interesting way. Not a novel that I would straight up recommend, but not a bad one either.
—Dave
Admittedly I am a huge Richard Price fan. But I believe that Bloodbrothers is not only Price's best novel but also one of the best novels of the second half of the 20th century. Price nails the Bronx working-class milieu of his characters--their speech, their aspirations, their resignations. Every character is distinct, credible, and memorable. Every subplot fits. Every word fits. I defy you to read this book without being moved to tears, being angered, or finding yourself nodding at times in recognition.
—Sherry Chiger
i ran out and bought this one after finishing Clockers because i wanted desperately to stay in the Richard Price world but couldn't find my copy of Lush Life. the publication date of my copy is 2009, but be warned, Price fans, this was actually his second book, re-issued. parts of it are stellar, but it is a second book, ya know? if you're expecting the kind of polish Price has achieved with later books, it's just not here.it also lacks the psychological cohesion of Price's later characters--in
—Ryandake
