Deacon King Kong: Summary

Deacon King Kong is a novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author James McBride. The book follows the story of Deacon Cuffy Lambkin, an elderly Korean War veteran living in the projects of Brooklyn. Deacon King Kong is a story about friendship, loyalty, and redemption against the backdrop of systemic racism and poverty in inner city America. It focuses on the resilience of community spirit and explores how love and kindness can help heal even the deepest wounds caused by violence, trauma, and hardship. Through Deacon Cuffy’s story, McBride paints an intimate portrait of life in one of America’s most forgotten communities and examines the power of faith to bring hope.

1. How did the characters of Deacon King Kong and Sportcoat differ in their approach to life?
2. What do you think is the theme of the book and how does it relate to the characters’ lives?
3. What did you find to be the most meaningful moment in the story?
4. Did you sympathize with any of the characters and why?
5. What role does religion play in the novel?
6. How did Macon's death affect other characters in the novel?
7. How does the setting of Deacon King Kong influence its themes and characters?
8. What is your opinion on Sportcoat's decision to take justice into his own hands?
9. Are there any moments in Deacon King Kong that surprised you or made you reconsider your understanding of something?
10. Do you think Deacon King Kong ultimately has a message about redemption, forgiveness, or faithfulness?

• Deacon King Kong is a compelling story of resilience and redemption, set against the backdrop of a vibrant urban community.
• The characters in Deacon King Kong are truly captivating and their vivid personalities bring the story to life.
• I found myself completely immersed in the atmosphere of Deacon King Kong, from the colorful language to the lively soundtrack of jazz music.
• It's amazing how McBride manages to blend comedy and tragedy so seamlessly throughout Deacon King Kong.
• The masterful storytelling in Deacon King Kong allows readers to explore complex themes like poverty, racial tension, and faith in unexpected ways.
• I was particularly struck by how McBride's writing style lends itself to creating a unique and immersive world within the pages of his book.
• One of the most impressive aspects of Deacon King Kong is its ability to explore difficult issues while also maintaining a sense of humour and lightness throughout.
• The theme of friendship between unlikely people is portrayed with such authenticity and heart in the book that it's hard not to be moved by it.
• I was impressed by how McBride manages to create an incredibly vivid sense of place with just a few sentences - it's almost like being transported into another world!
• Deacon King Kong is an engaging read that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful about humanity's capacity for friendship, hope and change.

1. "The world was a better place when the people in it looked out for each other."
2. "You can't make someone do something they don't want to do, but you can give them a reason to change their minds."
3. "You can't take back what's already been done, but you can try and make things right."
4. "Sometimes all you need is a little faith and patience."
5. "Life's too short to waste time on things that don't matter."

TV: Currently, there are no TV adaptations of Deacon King Kong. Film: A film adaptation of Deacon King Kong is currently in development, with HBO producing and Denzel Washington set to star. Radio: The novel has been adapted into a radio play by BBC Radio 4, starring Don Warrington as Deacon King Kong, and was released in 2020. Podcast: There is currently no podcast adaptation of Deacon King Kong. Theatrical: There has not yet been a theatrical adaptation of Deacon King Kong.

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