I loved this gorgeous novel about the Chicken Hill neighborhood of Pottstown, Pennsylvania in the 1920’s and 30’s. I loved the mixing of colors, ethnicities, heritages, desires, abilities, languages, and sensibilities of the characters who pass through the ‘hood and the grocery store.

I love the nicknames of the cast of characters and how well-developed each one becomes. And I love how each neighbor contributes to the welfare of the others.

And I’d really love a handmade, specialized pair of shoes from the brothers.

James McBride does not shy away from the painful, the horrific, the unfortunate truths of the marginalized inhabitants. And he gives us the beauty of the gifts they give. Don’t miss the end of the acknowledgments for his inspiration – tikkun olam: repair the world.

HIGHLY recommend. 5 stars.