While on its surface A Spy in the Struggle is about an undercover FBI agent, it covers so much more: the oppression of Black people, the power of youth to create change, the struggle to find your place, the abuse of power by the government and wealthy corporations, and even a steamy romance. In a similar vein as When No One is Watching, this story explores much bigger issues.
A Spy in the Struggle follows Yolanda, a young Black lawyer who takes a job with the FBI after being left with few other options. Soon after starting, she's sent undercover to infiltrate an African-American youth "extremist" group in California, but as she gets to know the group, she's forced to question all her previous assumptions.
At first, Yolanda is pretty judgmental about others and believes what she's been told by those in power. I had to suspend disbelief a bit that Yolanda would not question why these teens needed to be stopped when they're advocating justice in a nonviolent way. At the same time, I've heard people who share her views and it makes her story arc all the more powerful. As the novel progresses and more of Yolanda's backstory is revealed, I understood where she was coming from. I really enjoyed reading about her past and the challenges she had to overcome. The more Yolanda learns about the youth group and community, the more questions are raised about what exactly is happening and the pace of the story quickens.
A Spy in the Struggle follows Yolanda, a young Black lawyer who takes a job with the FBI after being left with few other options. Soon after starting, she's sent undercover to infiltrate an African-American youth "extremist" group in California, but as she gets to know the group, she's forced to question all her previous assumptions.
At first, Yolanda is pretty judgmental about others and believes what she's been told by those in power. I had to suspend disbelief a bit that Yolanda would not question why these teens needed to be stopped when they're advocating justice in a nonviolent way. At the same time, I've heard people who share her views and it makes her story arc all the more powerful. As the novel progresses and more of Yolanda's backstory is revealed, I understood where she was coming from. I really enjoyed reading about her past and the challenges she had to overcome. The more Yolanda learns about the youth group and community, the more questions are raised about what exactly is happening and the pace of the story quickens.