Angel City

Anyone who grew up in Florida, or who has now made Florida home, owes it to themselves to read between and beyond the lines of Theme Parks and crowded beaches for which this state is famous. Patrick Smith's Angel City and his other fascinating stories of Florida should grace your bookshelves. The Florida of not too long ago, as beautifully told in Angel City, relates of the labor camp trials and tribulations in the 1960's - relatively recent history. I was in Florida then, both knew and saw some of the atrocities and sub-human conditions of the folks who made it possible for the country to enjoy tomatoes, celery, sugar and a breadbasket of food that they were sometimes denied. Patrick Smith's novels are very compelling, easy to read and open your eyes to places beyond the perimeter, providing a deeper understanding of this complex and beautiful state.

This book shows how people were taken advantage of in the settlement of Florida. It will make you very upset, but give you knowledge of how bad some people were treated.

Most other reviewers have correctly described this as a dark novel. It does try your patience. Makes one want to reach in there and... well, now I'M using my imagination. Well done, Patrick.

Fantastic piece of history. There is an angel city in Brevard County where this was taken from. We named a bridge after him

Horrifying book of what was the norm in Florida and the scrafices peoplemade to ensure we had food on our tables. It was a shameful way inwhich America did business and exploited poor people.