Five-Carat Soul
Five-Carat Soul by James McBride is a reprint edition published by Penguin on September 25, 2018, featuring 336 pages in English. This collection of short stories, all previously unpublished, delves into the intersections of identity, humanity, and history. McBride employs sharp dialogue and unexpected plot twists to create narratives that are both humorous and poignant, showcasing his storytelling prowess and keen attention to character detail.
Readers will encounter a variety of scenarios, including an antiques dealer’s discovery of a historic toy and the unexpected connections among five strangers. The stories reflect on how individuals learn from their surroundings and the people they meet, offering insights into the complexities of life. With themes that resonate across the African American experience, Five-Carat Soul presents a thoughtful exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own identities within a multifaceted world.
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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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