Book Name | The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store |
Author | James McBride |
Publisher | Random House Large Print |
Publish Date | September 12, 2023 |
Paperback (Pages) | 512 pages |
Weight | 1.08 pounds |
In 1972, during the construction of a new development in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a surprising discovery halted the workers—a skeleton lay at the base of a well. This unexpected find unraveled a long-held secret within Chicken Hill, a neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans coexisted, sharing both dreams and hardships. Moshe and Chona Ludlow, residents of Chicken Hill, had notable roles within the community—Moshe integrating his theater and Chona managing the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. Amidst societal challenges, Chona and Nate Timblin, the respected Black janitor and unofficial leader, collaborated to protect a deaf boy sought for institutionalization by the state.
Through the intertwining narratives of these characters, the profound struggles of those dwelling on the periphery of mainstream society come to light. James McBride skillfully unveils the resilience required for survival in a world where marginalized communities confront adversity. The revelation of events on Chicken Hill and the complicity of the town's white establishment underscores McBride's message—amidst tumultuous times, it is love and community that serve as the bedrock of existence.
In "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store," McBride showcases his exceptional storytelling prowess and unwavering belief in humanity, crafting a novel that mirrors the empathy of "Deacon King Kong" and the ingenuity of "The Good Lord Bird."
James McBride is the author of several books, including the National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird, the New York Times bestselling Deacon King Kong, the American classic The Color of Water, the novels Song Yet Sung and Miracle at St. Anna, the story collection Five-Carat Soul, and the biography of James Brown, Kill 'Em and Leave. In addition to being a gifted musician and recipient of the National Humanities Medal, McBride is a renowned writer in residence at New York University.