A review by graywild
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Story of Chicken Hill, PA in the mid-1930's.  Centers on Chona and Moshe, a Jewish couple, who own the Heaven & Earth Grocery Story and a couple of theaters in a part of town that has mainly Jewish and African American residents.  Chona is kind to all and makes many friends in both communities. She also calls out corruption and members of the KKK.  Story talks about interconnection between many characters.  There are alot of characters to keep track of but well written so that is possible.  Although I like the characters and the general progression of the story it is just an ok overall story.  Recommend but not my favorite this year.