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Book Recommendations
Recommended books can be ordered on Bookshop.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
“Differing weights mean differing measures. The Lord knows ‘em both.”
An appropriate title for a story which embraces various cultures and identities. McBride crafted this tale in a format where it is difficult to identify a central protagonist. However, two families take center stage.
The novel opens with a dead body at the bottom of a well. Before the police can begin their investigation, a hurricane destroys the crime scene and washes away any evidence. As a mystery enthusiast, I was hooked. A Romanian Jew named Moshe Ludlow builds a life for himself in Pottstown, Pennsylvania after a treacherous journey across Europe. He and his brother Isaac are entrepreneurs. Moshe finds opportunity in America and love. Polio crippled Chona’s body but not her spirit. Her cherry demeanor and generous heart anchor this town of refugees.
“Americans cared about money. And power. And government. Jews had none of those things; their job was to tread lightly in the land of milk and honey and be thankful that they were free to walk the land without getting their duffs kicked—or worse.”
Nate Timblin is “an old colored man” working in Moshe’s grocery store and theater. Nate is a quiet man who carries a tremendous burden. A secret unknown even to his wife, Addie.
“He was a man without a country living in a world of ghosts, for having no country meant no involvement and no caring for a thing beyond your own heart and head, and ghosts and spirits were the only thing certain in a world where your existence was invisible.”
They adopted their nephew, Dodo. A tragic accident left Dodo deaf. After his mother died, the state wanted to commit him to a residential facility. Any student of history understands the wretched conditions of these institutions at the beginning of the twentieth century. Nate and Addie, with the assistance of others, hid Dodo from the authorities.
When illness limited Chona’s abilities, Addie cared for her. Dodo also helped. Since Moshe and Chona had no natural children, Chona grew deeply attached to Dodo. Moshe cautioned his wife. He feared the attachment growing between her and the child. Because Moshe understood the harsh realities of American life. He and Isaac managed to eek out a comfortable life for their families.
But Chona refused to relinquish the child or Pottsville. She reminded Moshe of the Shulchan Aruch which spelled out the seven requirements of the Jewish life: wisdom, meekness, fear of God, love of truth, love of people, possession of a good name, and dislike of money. Moshe consented to her will.
The private, suspicious, Lowgods collaborate with Jews. An Italian laborer unites with a spry colored man. Each person linked to another by an unlikely friendship. There is no trust between these groups globally, but they banded together. Two families brought Pottsville together for a crippled woman and a deaf boy.“Kindness. Love. Principle. It runs the world.”
There is little more to share without revealing the plot. An appropriate story for the present. McBride weaved together this story like a tapestry. Each thread on its own is bland. As the reader dives into the story, they experience a mixture of cultures. The strength of friendship, love, and commitment rewards the reader with a well told story. Sacrifice. Abandoned dreams. New realities at second chances. With the last sentence, a surge of emotion choked my throat. “Thank you, Monkey pants.”
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