McBride’s Deacon King Kong is heralded for its vibrant storytelling, rich character development, and sharp humor. Critics commend its portrayal of community dynamics and historical context. However, some note the intricate plot and numerous characters can be overwhelming. Overall, it’s celebrated as a compelling and entertaining read, blending drama and comedy effectively.

Readers who enjoy richly crafted historical fiction and character-driven narratives, much like those found in Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys or Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, will be captivated by James McBride’s Deacon King Kong. This novel appeals to those interested in community dynamics, humor, and poignant storytelling.

Deacon King Kong by James McBride, published in 2020, is a near-historical fiction set in a Brooklyn neighborhood in 1969. It follows multiple characters, centering on Sportcoat, an elderly Black man in the Cause Houses, who shoots a young drug dealer, Deems Clemens. The plot involves community conflict, the influence of drugs, and intertwines with Italian mobster Thomas Elefante's search for a hidden artifact, ultimately leading to justice and positive change. The book addresses issues such as addiction, crime, racism, and oppression.

Humorous / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Gritty / Emotional

- Deacon King Kong was named one of The New York Times' Top 10 Books of 2020, showcasing its critical acclaim and popularity in literary circles.
- The novel was awarded the 2021 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Fiction, a prestigious prize recognizing works that contribute to our understanding of racism and diversity.
- James McBride is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal, an award he received in 2015, long before he published Deacon King Kong.

**Cuffy Lambkin (“Sportcoat”)**  
An elderly Black man living in the Cause Houses who is known for his joyful demeanor and passion for baseball, despite struggling with alcoholism. He serves as a mentor and father figure to younger residents like Deems Clemens.

**Thomas Elefante (“The Elephant”)**  
A local mobster in Brooklyn who inherits his father's criminal enterprises but longs for personal freedom and romantic companionship. His partnership with Sportcoat highlights his role in the neighborhood beyond crime.

**Deems Clemens**  
A talented young Black man from the Cause Houses who turns down a baseball career to engage in the lucrative drug trade. He is influenced by Sportcoat, who tries to steer him toward a more positive path.

**Hettie**  
Sportcoat’s deceased wife whose apparition occasionally appears to him. In life, she was nurturing and instrumental in bringing Sportcoat into the church community.

**Sister Gee**  
The wife of the pastor at Five Ends, characterized by her poise and confidence. She develops an attraction to Potts and embodies the potential for personal happiness and change.

**Sister Paul**  
An elderly woman living in a nursing home who helped found the church and has memories of the Jim Crow South. Her knowledge is key to finding the Venus, representing the importance of communal history.

James McBride

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Deacon King Kong reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Deacon King Kong | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Deacon King Kong and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Deacon King Kong Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Deacon King Kong Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Deacon King Kong Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

Deacon King Kong Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

Deacon King Kong Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-21

Deacon King Kong Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-26

Deacon King Kong Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Deacon King Kong Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Deacon King Kong Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Deacon King Kong Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Deacon King Kong Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Deacon King Kong Essay Topics

Deacon King Kong

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Deacon King Kong?

Reading Age

Book Details