Driving the King A Novel
Driving the King A Novel by Ravi Howard is a first edition published by HarperCollins on January 6, 2015. This 336-page novel delves into the complexities of race and class in 1950s America, as experienced by the legendary Nat King Cole and his driver, Nat Weary. Set against the backdrop of a segregated Jim Crow Montgomery, the story unfolds during a pivotal moment when Weary’s act of bravery to defend Cole leads to significant consequences for both men.
Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of discrimination. As Weary transitions from the oppressive environment of Alabama to the contrasting yet still challenging landscape of Los Angeles, the novel presents a nuanced examination of the societal barriers faced by African Americans during this era. Through the lens of these two remarkable figures, Driving the King offers a profound reflection on the struggles and aspirations that defined a critical period in American history.
Official synopsis Publisher
A daring and brilliant novel that explores race and class in 1950s America, witnessed through the experiences of Nat King Cole and his driver, Nat Weary.
The war is over, the soldiers are returning, and Nat King Cole is back in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, for a rare performance. His childhood friend, Nat Weary, plans to propose to his sweetheart, and the singer will honor their moment with a special song. While the world has changed, segregated Jim Crow Montgomery remains the same. When a white man attacks Cole with a pipe, Weary leaps from the audience to defend him—an act that will lead to a ten-year prison sentence.
But the singer will not forget his friend and the sacrifice he made. Six months before Weary is released, he receives a remarkable offer: will he be Nat King Cole’s driver and bodyguard in L.A.? It is the promise of a new life removed from the terror, violence, and degradation of Jim Crow Alabama.
Weary discovers that, while Los Angeles is far different from the Deep South, it a place of discrimination, mistrust, and intolerance where a black man—even one as talented and popular as Nat King Cole—is not wholly welcome.
An indelible portrait of prejudice and promise, friendship and loyalty, Driving the King is a daring look at race and class in pre-Civil Rights America, played out in the lives of two remarkable men.
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