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A review by annaf90
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I feel like this book was pretty slow moving. It is interesting in that it gives at least part of the story of every person and situation involved in some way, demonstrating just how complex life is, but that also makes it very, very convoluted and somewhat difficult to follow. I had to re-listen to various parts a few times to make sure I understood what was happening.
It also felt like, for how slowly the story moved and for how immensely detailed the whole story was, the ending felt abrupt and rushed. There was very little story about what happened to everyone after the fact, aside from one person. The dichotomy of that could be artful, I suppose, but instead it felt unbalanced and lacking.
There were a few points that were too graphic for my comfort.
My final verdict: I’d recommend the book if someone was already interested in the story but wouldn’t likely encourage someone to read it.
It also felt like, for how slowly the story moved and for how immensely detailed the whole story was, the ending felt abrupt and rushed. There was very little story about what happened to everyone after the fact, aside from one person. The dichotomy of that could be artful, I suppose, but instead it felt unbalanced and lacking.
There were a few points that were too graphic for my comfort.
My final verdict: I’d recommend the book if someone was already interested in the story but wouldn’t likely encourage someone to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Antisemitism
Minor: Murder and Violence
Sexual abuse of a child