The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store ~ James McBride
This is the story of Chicken Hill, a black and Jewish community in Pottstown, PA, that starts in the early 1970s when the skeleton of a man is found in a well, then travels back to the 1930s, where we meet the characters of Chicken Hill, and eventually discover the identity and story behind the discovery.
There is Chona, who owns The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, and refuses to sell it and move when her husband, Moshe, makes good money running his jazz theater.
Then there is Dodo, a young voiceless black boy with special needs, who is being cared for by a local couple, who witnesses a disturbing crime and intervenes.
I really liked these characters, especially Chona and Dodo. I liked the story enough. But there was something off for me. Recommended? Eh, maybe. Chona and Dodo might be worth it. Get the audio version from your library so you can listen while you do other things.
4 Comments
nance
Sigh. This book was an expensive DNF for me. I bought it at full price in hardback from my nephew’s little indie store, and try as I might, I just ran out of steam at about 120 pages in. I tried SO HARD to get into this book. I found that I simply didn’t care. The writing annoyed me. It made me fussy and cranky. It was In The Way.
I’m breaking up with you, James McBride, forever. I don’t know if it’s me or if it’s you (I do think it’s you), but we are never getting back together.
J
Oh goodness, a full priced DNF! Frustrating. I got this from the library, and I listened to it, so it was easier to stick with. I don’t think I’ve read anything else by this author.
Margaret
Tastes sure do vary! I love the way he writes and his interesting characters; this was one of my favorite books of the year. (my Book Club loved it too) I also enjoyed “The Color of Water.” On the other hand, when people rave about Kristin Hannah or Ruth Ware, I keep my mouth shut because I don’t like the way they write at all.
J
It’s so interesting, isn’t it? I was struck, for example, by the VERY different opinions regarding My Brilliant Friend in Engie’s book club. I love love loved the whole series, and so many folks were in the ‘NOPE’ category.