Review of Deacon King Kong by James McBride – A Captivating Journey Through 1960’s Brooklyn

Deacon King Kong, by James McBride, is an engaging and entertaining read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Set in 1969 in the housing projects of New York City, this book follows the story of Deacon Cuffy Lambkin and his unique path to redemption. Through its vivid characters and colorful language, this novel takes readers on a journey through an urban landscape filled with crime, poverty and heartache but also with love and humor. The prose is cleverly crafted and the story is deeply affecting, making it one of the best books of 2020. It’s not just a captivating narrative; it’s also a powerful exploration of faith, family and forgiveness. With themes like justice, racism and politics, Deacon King Kong is sure to spark thoughtful conversations about race relations in America.

Deacon King Kong Review

Guides100 Logo

Deacon King Kong is an exciting and hilarious novel by author James McBride, perfect for readers of all ages. This story follows the adventures of Deacon Cuffy Lambkin, an aging deacon in Brooklyn who accidentally shoots a local drug dealer, setting off a whirlwind of events that’s both funny and poignant.

Key Features:

  1. A charming and heartwarming story about friendship and redemption.
  2. An exploration of complex issues such as race relations, addiction, and poverty.
  3. A celebration of life and love set in a vibrant 1960s Brooklyn.
  4. A cast of quirky characters who become like family to each other.
  5. Filled with humor, warmth, and wisdom that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

In Deacon King Kong, readers will be inspired by how the power of friendship can bring out the best in people. From the streets of Brooklyn to the jazz clubs of Harlem, this story paints a vivid picture of life in the 1960s. Along the way, readers will learn about complex issues such as race relations, addiction, and poverty while laughing at some truly hilarious moments. With its unique blend of humor, heart-warming moments, and wise observations on life, Deacon King Kong is sure to become an instant classic.

Product Details

Product Deacon King Kong
Author James McBride
Publisher Riverhead Books
Publication Date March 31, 2020
Pages 400 pages
Genre Fiction/Historical Fiction/Humor/Urban Life
Language English

Deacon King Kong Pros and Cons

1. Pros of Deacon King Kong

Deacon King Kong is an incredible novel written by the renowned author James McBride. This book has received much praise from critics and readers alike, with numerous awards including the National Book Award for Fiction! The story follows the life of Deacon Cuffy Lambkin as he struggles to make sense of his life in 1969 Brooklyn.

This book is full of humor and heart, making it a truly enjoyable read. The characters are well-developed, allowing readers to get to know them better throughout the story. Additionally, the novel touches on important themes such as racism, poverty, and urban life in a thought-provoking way. Overall, Deacon King Kong is an excellent book that is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

2. Cons of Deacon King Kong

Despite its many positive aspects, there are some drawbacks to Deacon King Kong. Firstly, this book contains strong language and adult content that may not be suitable for younger readers. Additionally, some readers have found the pacing to be a bit slow at points due to its long length and multiple plot lines. Lastly, while this novel does address important topics such as racism and urban issues, some readers may find these topics too heavy or depressing for their taste.

Overall, Deacon King Kong is an excellent novel that offers a unique and thought-provoking look into racism, poverty, and urban life in 1969 Brooklyn. However, it may not be suitable for all readers due to its adult content and slower pacing.

Who are They for

Deacon King Kong is an unforgettable and moving novel by James McBride. Winner of the National Book Award and a New York Times bestseller, this critically acclaimed story follows Deacon Cuffy Lambkin, an aging deacon who shoots a drug dealer in broad daylight in his Brooklyn neighborhood.

The book follows the fallout from that act and the reverberations it has on Cuffy’s community. Told with great humor, compassion, and insight, Deacon King Kong explores themes of love, loyalty, faith, and redemption. It showcases McBride’s signature blend of comedy and pathos as he vividly captures the vibrant characters of the Cause Houses housing project in South Brooklyn.

A tender and funny portrait of everyday people living their lives in a world where good intentions are met with unexpected results, Deacon King Kong is a warmhearted exploration of what it means to be fully alive. With its memorable characters and lyrical storytelling, James McBride’s masterpiece will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.

My Experience for Deacon King Kong

Lloyd Kaufman

I recently picked up Deacon King Kong by James McBride, and I must say it’s one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. Set in South Brooklyn in 1969, it tells the story of Deacon Cuffy Lambkin, an alcoholic former baseball player who is known for his wild antics.

One day, out of the blue, he shoots a local drug dealer with a .32 revolver in broad daylight. That event sets off a chain reaction that impacts the entire neighborhood. From gangsters to church ladies, everyone has their own opinion about what happened and why.

It’s a hilarious and heartwarming story about community and loyalty, filled with vivid characters and witty dialogue. There’s also plenty of action as well – from fist fights to car chases. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a funny, entertaining read.

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. The story is slow-paced and may not appeal to some readers.
2. The characters are not particularly likable, which may put off some readers.
3. The ending is unexpected and abrupt, leaving some readers unsatisfied.
4. There is a lack of depth in the plot, making it difficult for some readers to engage with the story.
5. The language is dense and may be too complex for some readers to understand.

How to Uncover the Power of Community with Deacon King Kong

Deacon King Kong by James McBride is a powerful novel about overcoming adversity, together. Through the story of an unlikely hero and his beloved neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, this book teaches us how to tap into the power of community and find success through collaboration.

The main character is Deacon Cuppy Johnson, a septuagenarian who has been living with the same lovable group of folks in the Causeway Housing Projects for over forty years. When he accidentally shoots a drug dealer in broad daylight, the entire community rallies around him. With Cuppy’s help, they are able to make their homes safer and more livable while also achieving better economic stability.

The key takeaway from Deacon King Kong is that we can all benefit from working together to overcome our struggles. Not only does it create stronger relationships within our communities, but it also leads to greater results than any one person could achieve on their own. Whether it’s starting a business or cleaning up a neighborhood park, coming together as a team can lead to real change and progress.

So if you’re looking for inspiration on how to uncover the power of community, give Deacon King Kong a read! You’ll come away feeling energized and motivated to tackle anything the world throws your way — with friends at your side.

Questions about Deacon King Kong

 

What is Deacon King Kong?

Deacon King Kong is a novel by James McBride that follows the story of Sportcoat, an aging deacon living in Brooklyn. The novel tackles themes such as community, faith, and redemption as Sportcoat navigates his way through trying times.

Can I get a copy of Deacon King Kong?

Yes! You can purchase Deacon King Kong from various retailers including Amazon.

What type of book is Deacon King Kong?

Deacon King Kong is a work of fiction. It follows the story of Sportcoat and his journey to redemption.

Who wrote Deacon King Kong?

Deacon King Kong was written by acclaimed author James McBride.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

Leave a Comment