A review by devlev7
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

challenging emotional reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book had been on my list for a long time (and on hold for months). It was also one of the books my Grannie had on hold when she died. So, all that to say, my expectations were very high. And I would say it partially lived up. It was definitely very interesting, lots to digest about history, cultural divides, and the ways racism and white supremacy harm and prop up different groups at different times. It was definitely difficult to read at times, the themes are very heavy and very thought provoking. But overall I found it interesting and a good literary read. My main complaint is that it was veryyyyy slow…I like the intense looks into many different characters’ lives and backstories, but it honestly went a bit over the top for me, at the expense of the plot. However, I’d still recommend this book - very fascinating and exciting story about the nuances and experiences in a Black and Jewish community in a Philadelphia suburb in the 1930s. Good social commentary too. Definitely read the content warnings.
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