You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
rorikae 's review for:
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride is a great character driven novel that follows the inhabitants of a small town over the years.
Starting with a body being found in a well, the story then goes back in time to follow the story of the different characters that live in Pottstown. This largely Jewish and Black town has seen its fair share of tragedy, hardships, and adapting to changing times. Exploring each character and how their lives intersect with those around them, McBride slowly takes us through time to answer whose body is at the bottom of that well.
McBride does an excellent job of creating a multilayered, complex story of one small community. Told through vibrant characters full of faults, it feels as if McBride has observed these characters instead of creating them. They feel that true to life. It is easy to get swept up in their lives. The body at the beginning sets off an interesting question but really this story shines in the down to earth characters going about their daily lives.
Starting with a body being found in a well, the story then goes back in time to follow the story of the different characters that live in Pottstown. This largely Jewish and Black town has seen its fair share of tragedy, hardships, and adapting to changing times. Exploring each character and how their lives intersect with those around them, McBride slowly takes us through time to answer whose body is at the bottom of that well.
McBride does an excellent job of creating a multilayered, complex story of one small community. Told through vibrant characters full of faults, it feels as if McBride has observed these characters instead of creating them. They feel that true to life. It is easy to get swept up in their lives. The body at the beginning sets off an interesting question but really this story shines in the down to earth characters going about their daily lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting