In 'Five-Carat Soul', James McBride weaves together a tapestry of interlocking stories that explore the lives of African American characters, rich in culture and complexity. Each tale, steeped in humor and heartache, uncovers the struggles and triumphs of its protagonists in a world often marked by racial tension. The book artfully blends the themes of love, loss, and identity, revealing how the past shapes the present. McBride's lyrical prose invites readers into a vibrant world where every character's soul sparkles with a five-carat brilliance. Discover the power of storytelling as McBride illuminates the ties that bind us all, regardless of our differences.
By James McBride
Published: 2017
""In every heart, there is a story waiting to be told, a soul craving understanding amidst the noise of the world.""
One of The New York Times' 100 Notable Books of 2017 “A pinball machine zinging with sharp dialogue, breathtaking plot twists and naughty humor... McBride at his brave and joyous best.” —New York Times Book Review From the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction, Deacon King Kong, and Kill 'Em and Leave, a James Brown biography. The stories in Five-Carat Soul—none of them ever published before—spring from the place where identity, humanity, and history converge. They’re funny and poignant, insightful and unpredictable, imaginative and authentic—all told with McBride’s unrivaled storytelling skill and meticulous eye for character and detail. McBride explores the ways we learn from the world and the people around us. An antiques dealer discovers that a legendary toy commissioned by Civil War General Robert E. Lee now sits in the home of a black minister in Queens. Five strangers find themselves thrown together and face unexpected judgment. An American president draws inspiration from a conversation he overhears in a stable. And members of The Five-Carat Soul Bottom Bone Band recount stories from their own messy and hilarious lives. As McBride did in his National Book award-winning The Good Lord Bird and his bestselling The Color of Water, he writes with humor and insight about how we struggle to understand who we are in a world we don’t fully comprehend. The result is a surprising, perceptive, and evocative collection of stories that is also a moving exploration of our human condition.
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“"In every heart, there is a story waiting to be told, a soul craving understanding amidst the noise of the world."”
Five-Carat Soul
By James McBride
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James McBride is a celebrated American author and journalist, best known for his award-winning memoir, "The Color of Water," which explores his biracial identity through the lens of his mother’s remarkable life story. He is also the author of the acclaimed novel "Song Yet Sung," which delves into the lives of enslaved people on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and "Good Lord Bird," a fictional account of abolitionist John Brown, which won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2013 and has been adapted into a television miniseries. McBride's writing is characterized by its rich storytelling, deep empathy, and seamless blending of historical and fictional narratives, often reflecting themes of race, faith, and family. He has also written essays and articles for various publications, showcasing his versatility and commitment to exploring complex social issues.
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