Yes, there are protests, but mostly the book is about racism during this time and how being in the wrong place at the wrong time (and if you are the wrong color) can be deadly.
The book is well-written and kept my interest. The main characters are well developed, especially Mary Pat, who is looking for her daughter who has disappeared. I did get some of the supporting characters confused, as Mary Pat visits all sorts of people who might know what happened.
Small Mercies takes place during a tumultuous time that I knew little about. The history is interesting and inciteful. The book isn't a favorite, but if you are interested in this time period, Small Mercies is a good option.
