Deacon King Kong by James McBride

"Deacon King Kong" by James McBride is a novel set in 1969 in the Brooklyn projects. The story centers around Deacon King Kong, an elderly church deacon who shoots a drug dealer in broad daylight and the aftermath of the shooting.

The novel is a vibrant and multi-layered tale that explores themes of community, forgiveness, and redemption. Through a cast of colorful and memorable characters, the novel paints a portrait of life in the projects, capturing the struggles, joys, and humor of the people who live there.

As the community grapples with the fallout from the shooting, secrets are uncovered, relationships are tested, and bonds are forged. The novel is a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience, and a celebration of the resilience and spirit of the human heart.

With its richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions of Brooklyn in the late 1960s, "Deacon King Kong" is a masterful work of fiction that captures the soul of a community and the enduring power of human connection.