Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
What happens when a drunken old deacon pulls the trigger in broad daylight? Deacon King Kong, set in the vibrant Cause Houses projects of 1969 Brooklyn, answers that question with humor, heart, and a deep understanding of community. The novel unfolds as Deacon Cuffy Lambkin, known as Sportcoat, stumbles into the plaza and shoots a young drug dealer named Deems Clemens. This single act sends shockwaves through the community, intertwining the lives of a wide cast of characters, from the church-going widow Sister Gee to the mysterious Italian mobster, Tommy Elefante.
James McBride crafts a tale that is as much about the people and their connections as it is about the event itself. The novel delves into the struggles of the working class, the impact of the heroin trade, and the enduring spirit of a community bound by more than just bricks and mortar. McBride’s narrative is rich with humor and compassion, capturing the nuances of African-American and immigrant experiences in a rapidly changing urban landscape. As secrets unravel and histories collide, the story reveals the complexity of human relationships, the weight of past choices, and the possibility of redemption.
This standalone novel, not part of a series, invites readers into a world where every character, no matter how small, has a story to tell. It's a book that’s hard to put down, a blend of historical fiction, crime drama, and heartfelt comedy that leaves you wanting more. If you’re looking for a novel that balances humor and pathos, with characters so real you feel like you’ve known them forever, Deacon King Kong is the book to pick up.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Humor
Crime Fiction
African-American Literature
Sportcoat (Deacon Cuffy Lambkin): An aging alcoholic deacon with a haunted past, known for his wild behavior yet deeply committed to his community. His values are rooted in faith and loyalty, shown by his unwavering dedication to his deceased wife’s memory and the Cause Houses church, despite his struggles with alcohol.
Deems Clemens: A former baseball prodigy turned drug dealer. He represents the loss of potential and the harsh realities of life in the projects. Deems is tough and guarded, but beneath his hardened exterior lies a desire for redemption, seen when he begins to question his involvement in the drug trade after Sportcoat’s shooting.
Sister Gee: The church secretary, a compassionate and wise woman who serves as the moral compass of the community. She values kindness and understanding, often mediating conflicts and providing emotional support to those around her, such as when she comforts Sportcoat after the shooting incident.
Tommy Elefante (The Elephant): A quiet, introspective Italian mobster with a deep respect for tradition and family. Despite his criminal activities, he values loyalty and honor, demonstrated when he chooses to protect a mysterious artifact hidden by his father rather than pursue personal gain.
Hettie Lambkin: Sportcoat’s deceased wife, whose memory and mysterious death influence much of the novel’s events. She was a deeply religious woman who valued honesty and integrity, which is reflected in her decision to hide the church’s money, believing it was better kept away from temptation.
Community and Connection: The novel explores how a tightly-knit community navigates the complexities of life in the projects. The residents of the Cause Houses are shown to be deeply interconnected, with their lives and struggles intertwined, reflecting the strength and resilience that comes from communal bonds.
Redemption and Forgiveness: Many characters in the novel seek redemption for their past actions. Sportcoat’s journey is one of seeking forgiveness, not just from others but from himself, as he grapples with guilt and loss. Deems’ gradual realization of the destructive path he’s on also reflects this theme.
Racial and Social Tensions: The novel examines the racial and social dynamics of 1969 Brooklyn, highlighting the challenges faced by African-American and immigrant communities. The characters’ interactions often reflect the broader societal issues of the time, such as economic inequality and racial discrimination.
Faith and Morality: The influence of religion and personal morality is central to the characters’ lives. Sportcoat’s actions, driven by a complicated mix of faith and desperation, serve as a lens through which the novel examines the role of religion in shaping ethical decisions.
Loss and Grief: The characters grapple with personal losses, whether it’s Sportcoat mourning his wife or Deems lamenting the loss of his potential. The novel portrays grief as a powerful force that shapes the characters’ motivations and decisions, often driving them toward unexpected acts of kindness or despair.
Deacon King Kong begins with a shocking act of violence: Sportcoat, an elderly deacon, shoots Deems Clemens, a young drug dealer, in broad daylight in the Cause Houses projects of Brooklyn. This event sets off a chain reaction within the community, drawing in a diverse cast of characters who all have ties to the two men involved.
Sportcoat’s actions are not easily explained; even he seems unsure why he pulled the trigger. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the shooting is a symptom of deeper issues—both personal and communal. Sportcoat is haunted by the memory of his wife, Hettie, whose mysterious death by drowning continues to affect him deeply. His struggle with alcoholism and his deteriorating mental state are central to understanding his motivations.
Deems, on the other hand, is a young man who once showed great promise as a baseball player but has since turned to the drug trade. The shooting forces him to reconsider his choices and the life he’s leading, particularly as he faces pressure from both the police and other drug dealers in the area. Deems’ story is one of lost potential and the harsh realities of life in the projects.
As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to a wide range of characters, each with their own stories and connections to the central event. Sister Gee, the church secretary, provides emotional support to both Sportcoat and the community, trying to maintain peace amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Tommy Elefante, an Italian mobster, becomes involved due to a mysterious package that ties him to the Cause Houses and its residents.
The novel explores the impact of Sportcoat’s actions on the community as a whole. The police are drawn into the situation, though they are more interested in maintaining order than seeking justice. The residents of the Cause Houses must navigate the tensions that arise from the shooting, as well as their own personal struggles.
As the story reaches its conclusion, secrets are revealed, and the characters are forced to confront their pasts. The hidden church money, which Hettie had secretly kept safe, is discovered, providing a form of redemption for Sportcoat and a chance for the community to heal. Deems begins to pull away from the drug trade, finding a path toward redemption with the support of those around him.
In the end, Deacon King Kong is a story of forgiveness, community, and the possibility of change, even in the most difficult circumstances. The novel’s resolution brings closure to the characters’ journeys, leaving the reader with a sense of hope for their future.
Our summary of Deacon King Kong is meticulously designed with you, the reader, in mind. We focus on key themes like community, redemption, and social tensions, ensuring that what matters most to you is at the forefront. Expert analysis informs our understanding of the novel's deeper layers, while our commitment to quality and integrity guarantees an accurate, clear, and engaging reflection of James McBride's work. By distilling the essence of the story into a concise and engaging narrative, we provide a summary that not only informs but also resonates with your interests.
Date Published: March 3, 2020
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