DEACON KING KONG
by James McBride
In Deacon King Kong, James McBride once again proves his master storyteller status. McBride sets the novel in the housing projects of New York City in the late 1960s with an unforgettable main character named Sportcoat. Beloved by many, Sportcoat is an old, Black man who fights his demons by consuming vast quantities of bootleg liquor.
Sportcoat, a deacon at his church and a one-time baseball coach, shoots his former star player – turned drug dealer - in broad daylight in front of scores of witnesses. As the consequences of that action unfold, we learn Sportcoat’s backstory and that of his recently deceased wife. We meet Potts Mullen, the White cop investigating the shooting, whose empathy and upstanding character endear him not only to the reader, but also to Sister Gee, a member of Sportcoat’s church. Then there’s the victim, Deems Clemens, and the local mafia boss. McBride fills the novel with colorful and interesting characters whose lives he weaves together with a deft and humorous touch.
In addition to his memorable characters and the plot line of solving the murder, McBride includes several sub-plots, one more entertaining than the next. There’s the monthly mystery delivery of tons of cheese to Sportcoat’s housing project. There’s the local mobster with a heart of gold searching for an ancient relic left to him by his father. And the idea that faith and love are key to a life well lived permeates the book. Deacon King Kong is outstanding and has a distinctly satisfying ending. I recommend it highly. (Liz)
