Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is a novel by James McBride that weaves together themes of race, community, and justice in the backdrop of a small town in Pennsylvania in the 1970s. The story centers around the mystery of a skeleton found in a well, which unearths secrets about the town’s complex relationships between its Jewish, Black, and immigrant communities.

At the heart of the novel is Chona, a Jewish woman who runs the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a hub for the town’s marginalized people. The store becomes a symbol of both literal and metaphorical nourishment, offering support to those overlooked by society. McBride’s narrative explores the power dynamics of the town, highlighting the strength of those who work together across racial and cultural lines.

With McBride's signature wit, heart, and historical insight, Heaven & Earth Grocery Store touches on the importance of empathy, standing up for others, and the lasting impact of community-driven resistance to injustice. The novel is celebrated for its rich characters and its exploration of America's racial and cultural complexities.