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

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This is a story about friendship and people working together for the good of their community. Themes of resilience and defiance shine through as the characters navigate a society designed to keep them small, but they will not be held down. 
The focus of the story shifts from one character to another. I enjoyed this layered approach to introducing characters and giving their backstory as it applied to the story instead of having to keep track of it from the beginning. Each character adds a thread to the story as they intertwine and come together in the end.
It is a different writing style than I typically read and I enjoyed it very much. It is real and honest and true to how life was during this time. I cared deeply about this community and was rooting for them.
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