TL;DR
Deacon King Kong by James McBride is a vibrant, humorous, and moving portrayal of a 1969 Brooklyn neighborhood in upheaval after a church deacon shoots a local drug dealer.
What is Deacon King Kong (Oprah's Book Club) about
Deacon King Kong by James McBride tells the story of a cranky old church deacon named Sportcoat who, in a moment of unexplainable violence, shoots a drug dealer named Deems in the Cause Houses housing project in Brooklyn. Set in 1969, the novel delves into the lives of the people affected by this incident, including the African-American and Latinx residents, the white neighbors, local cops, church members, and Italian mobsters. McBride masterfully explores themes of faith, community, and resilience through a tapestry of interwoven lives, showcasing his storytelling prowess and deep empathy for humanity.
Deacon King Kong (Oprah's Book Club) 5 Key Takeaways
Sportcoat shoots Deems
In a shocking event, church deacon Sportcoat shoots Deems, a young drug dealer, in the Cause Houses courtyard, setting off a chain reaction of events and emotions in the community.
Community's reaction
The shooting incident reverberates through the neighborhood, affecting a diverse array of characters including residents, church members, and local authorities, each grappling with the fallout in their own way.
Interconnected lives
As the story unfolds, the complex web of relationships between the characters is revealed, showcasing how their lives are intertwined in unexpected and poignant ways.
Uncovering the truth
Through various perspectives, the novel gradually uncovers the reasons behind Sportcoat's actions and the deeper secrets and struggles of the community, highlighting themes of hidden truths and redemption.
Themes of hope and faith
McBride emphasizes the power of hope and faith in overcoming adversity, illustrating how the characters find strength and growth amidst their challenges and changes.
Top Deacon King Kong (Oprah's Book Club) Quotes
- ‘When you lose your faith, you lose your hope.’
- ‘Love is the only thing more powerful than fear.’
- ‘The seeds of love lie in hope and compassion.’
Who should read Deacon King Kong (Oprah's Book Club)?
Deacon King Kong is ideal for readers who appreciate richly drawn characters, intricate narratives, and themes of faith, community, and resilience. Fans of literary fiction and those interested in the social dynamics of 1960s New York will find this novel particularly engaging and thought-provoking.
Deacon King Kong (Oprah's Book Club) Best Reviews
- The New York Times: 'A rich, socially aware tale told with insight and humor, Deacon King Kong is a triumphant return for James McBride.'
- Entertainment Weekly: 'McBride's storytelling brilliance shines in this vibrant, heartwarming ode to community and resilience.'
- TIME Magazine: 'Deacon King Kong is a masterful novel that captures the essence of human connection and the profound impact of faith and love.'
People also liked these summaries
Deacon King Kong (Oprah's Book Club) FAQs
What is the message of Deacon King Kong?
Life can be hard, and hope is an incredibly powerful thing that gives people the encouragement to persist and endure. An underlying theme of Deacon King Kong is focused on what happens when people lose faith or hope.
What is the summary of the book Deacon King Kong?
In Deacon King Kong, the venerable James McBride's first novel since winning the National Book Award in 2013 for The Good Lord Bird, a grief-stricken church deacon nicknamed Sportcoat shoots Deems, a 19-year-old drug dealer, at a Brooklyn-area housing project called the Cause Houses in 1969.
Where can I watch the Deacon King Kong series?
Watch James McBride: Deacon King Kong - Oprah's Book Club (Season 1, Episode 6) - Apple TV+