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Winner of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Fiction   Winner of the Gotham Book PrizeOne of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of the YearOprah's Book Club PickNamed one of the Top Ten Books of the Year by the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and TIME Magazine A Washington Post Notable Novel From the author of the National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird and the bestselling modern classic The Color of Water, comes one of the most celebrated novels of the year.In September 1969, a fumbling, cranky old church deacon known as Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project in south Brooklyn, pulls a .38 from his pocket, and, in front of everybody, shoots the projects drug dealer at point-blank range. The reasons for this desperate burst of violence and the consequences that spring from it lie at the heart of Deacon King Kong, James McBrides funny, moving novel and his first since his National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird. In Deacon King Kong, McBride brings to vivid life the people affected by the shooting: the victim, the African-American and Latinx residents who witnessed it, the white neighbors, the local cops assigned to investigate, the members of the Five Ends Baptist Church where Sportcoat was deacon, the neighborhoods Italian mobsters, and Sportcoat himself. As the story deepens, it becomes clear that the lives of the characters—caught in the tumultuous swirl of 1960s New York—overlap in unexpected ways. When the truth does emerge, McBride shows us that not all secrets are meant to be hidden, that the best way to grow is to face change without fear, and that the seeds of love lie in hope and compassion. Bringing to these pages both his masterly storytelling skills and his abiding faith in humanity, James McBride has written a novel every bit as involving as The Good Lord Bird and as emotionally honest as The Color of Water. Told with insight and wit, Deacon King Kong demonstrates that love and faith live in all of us.

Deacon King Kong: A Novel by James McBride

In the heart of Brooklyn, during the scorching summer of 1969, a church deacon named Sportcoat is gunned down in cold blood. This shocking event sets off a chain reaction of both violence and hope, drawing together a cast of unforgettable characters as they grapple with questions of race, justice, and faith. At the center of it all is the charismatic Deacon King Kong, whose unwavering commitment to his community and his radical vision for change will have profound and lasting effects on those around him.

With its vivid portrayal of life in a divided city, its unforgettable characters, and its exploration of the complexities of human nature, "Deacon King Kong" is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Key Themes:

• Race and Justice: The novel delves into the racial tensions and inequalities that were prevalent in 1960s America, particularly in cities like Brooklyn. It explores how these issues can lead to violence and injustice, and it challenges readers to confront the ways in which racism continues to impact society today.
• Community and Faith: Despite the challenges they face, the characters in "Deacon King Kong" find strength and resilience in their community and their faith. The church, in particular, serves as a focal point for the community, providing a place for people to come together, find comfort, and work towards a better future.
• Hope and Redemption: Even in the darkest of circumstances, the characters in "Deacon King Kong" never give up hope. They believe that change is possible, and they work tirelessly to make their community a better place. The novel ultimately offers a message of hope and redemption, suggesting that even in the face of great adversity, it is possible to overcome and create a better world.

Critical Acclaim:

• "A masterpiece. McBride has written a novel that is both timely and timeless, a story that will resonate with readers for generations to come." - The New York Times
• "A powerful and moving story about community, faith, and the pursuit of justice. McBride's characters are unforgettable, and his writing is both lyrical and thought-provoking." - The Washington Post
• "A must-read for anyone who cares about the state of our world today. McBride's novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, faith, and the power of community." - NPR

About the Author:

James McBride is an American author, musician, and composer. He is best known for his novels "The Color of Water" and "Deacon King Kong," both of which were finalists for the National Book Award. McBride has also written several children's books and has composed music for film and television. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and lives in Brooklyn, New York.