The Given Day
📘 About This Book
Boston, 1918. A city in turmoil as soldiers return home from World War One. Danny Coughlin is the son of one of Boston's most powerful police captains. An undercover cop, he is hunting for revolutionaries and anarchists who are pledged to overthrow the city's ruling classes. But Danny's about to find out that doing his duty may also mean betraying those who are closest to him. Luther Lawrence is on the run. Having survived a murderous confrontation with a crime boss, he lands a job in the Coughlin household. Desperate to find a way home for his pregnant wife, Luther is determined to avoid trouble. But it isn't long before his dangerous past and his tenuous present collide - with life threatening consequences. As the city goes into meltdown, Danny and Luther must confront the storm of violence that threatens to engulf them if each is to survive...
📖 Summary
Dennis Lehane delivers a sweeping, richly textured work of historical fiction set in Boston during the turbulent year of 1918. As soldiers return home from the harrowing battlefields of World War One, the city finds itself on the brink of profound social and political upheaval. Amidst this backdrop of strikes, simmering racial tensions, and the rising fear of anarchist uprisings, the narrative follows two central figures whose lives unexpectedly intersect against the odds. Danny Coughlin is a young, idealistic undercover police officer. As the son of one of Boston's most powerful and influential police captains, Danny is expected to uphold the established order without question. His primary assignment is hunting down revolutionaries and suspected anarchists who are pledged to overthrow the city's ruling classes. However, as Danny delves deeper into his mission, he begins to uncover uncomfortable truths about power, justice, and loyalty. He soon realizes that strictly doing his duty may require him to betray those who are closest to him, forcing him to choose between blind obedience to the system and his own emerging moral compass. Parallel to Danny's journey is the harrowing plight of Luther Lawrence. On the run after surviving a vicious and murderous confrontation with a ruthless crime boss, Luther desperately needs to escape his violent past. He manages to secure a modest job working in the Coughlin household, hoping to keep a low profile. Luther's ultimate goal is to find a way home to his pregnant wife and rebuild a peaceful life, meaning he is determined to avoid any kind of trouble. Unfortunately, the turbulent environment of post-war Boston makes hiding nearly impossible. It is not long before his dangerous past and his tenuous present collide, plunging him into situations with life-threatening consequences. As the city of Boston spirals into meltdown, characterized by general strikes, civil unrest, and the looming shadow of a global pandemic, both Danny and Luther must confront the escalating storm of violence. Lehane weaves their personal trials into a grand historical tapestry that captures a fractured society struggling to redefine itself. The narrative explores the heavy burdens of family legacy, the cost of systemic corruption, and the courage required to stand up against oppressive forces when everything is on the line. Through meticulous pacing and deep character development, the novel portrays a pivotal moment in American history where ordinary men are swept up in extraordinary events, leaving lasting impacts on their lives and the city they inhabit.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Immersive and authentic historical setting of 1918 Boston
Compelling dual-narrative structure following distinct characters
Deep exploration of morality, duty, and corruption
High-stakes tension during a period of intense civil unrest
⚠️ Cons
Dense historical detail may slow the pacing for some readers
Heavy themes and violent confrontations might not suit all audiences
✍️ About the Author
Dennis Lehane (b. 1965) is an American author known for gritty crime fiction set in Boston, including 'Mystic River' and 'Shutter Island'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
When is the book set? +
The story is set in Boston during the year 1918.
Who is the author of the book? +
The book was written by Dennis Lehane.
Who is Danny Coughlin? +
Danny is an undercover police officer and the son of one of Boston's most powerful police captains.
Why is Luther Lawrence on the run? +
Luther is fleeing after surviving a murderous confrontation with a crime boss and is trying to get back to his pregnant wife.
What major historical context surrounds the characters? +
The characters navigate a city in turmoil due to returning World War One soldiers, strikes, and threats from revolutionaries and anarchists.
