Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion

This is the discussion thread for Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James.

There has been great buzz/anticipation for this book.

This buddy read may differ a little from other reads as at this time there is not a formal reading schedule (unless there seems to be a "cry" for one.

This is a big book 600 pages (24 hours of audio) and many will be reading at different speeds but want to have a place to post comments, questions, thoughts on if attending any of the book reading, and any relevant information.

First question - if you are reading Black Leopard, Red Wolf:

- what format?
- when will you begin?

Here is an interview article from Publishers Weekly:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...

I think this is a very good basic article to read before you settle in with the book as it sets the stage on what you are going to read.

I'll be reading an ebook of the story, and hopefully in about a week.

I will be reading as a print book.
I hope to start tonight.
As with any book that deals with worldbuilding I tend to read more slowly at first as I try to understand the world in which this story takes place and I need to get use to the writing and characters.

Lata wrote: "I'll be reading an ebook of the story, and hopefully in about a week."

Same here.

I just placed a request for the book - I think I'm fourth in line. I plan on reading it as soon as it comes in.

I bought the audio but will be reading a print copy alongside it. Most likely I will be starting in about a week.

I'm shocked that my library copy came in yesterday! I'm on page 59, and like Beverly, I start slow when there's worldbuilding.

I have a ticket for a luncheon Saturday the 16th and I'll get a print copy that day. We are having a weird snow event here in the Pacific Northwest that's shutting everything down, so I hope the roads are clear by then (Seattle is about 40 miles away). The lunch venue only holds about 30 people, so it's a different feel from the big, crowded events. I'm excited to join in!

James's on two podcasts this weekend the Times and Think Again

https://bigthink.com/podcast/dont-get...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/08/bo...

might want to pay special attention to the moon witch?

I started listening to the audiobook, and am also reading it on Libby. On Chapter 2.

I preordered a copy and it arrived the same day it released. I started reading it the following day. I have to say, it took me a little while to settle in to the storyline at first. I re-read the first two chapters multiple times just to get a full understanding of the world, verbiage, etc.

I’m currently on chapter 12, and the story definitely picked up! Before preordering it, I saw that it was described along the lines of Game of Thrones, and I guess I’m still waiting to find stronger similarities (outside of the perversion and northern & southern kingdoms). So far, it feels more like an adult version of Children of Blood and Bone, mixed with Things Fall Apart, mixed with Lord of the Rings. All in all, I’m enjoying it so far!

Karen Michele wrote: "I have a ticket for a luncheon Saturday the 16th and I'll get a print copy that day. We are having a weird snow event here in the Pacific Northwest that's shutting everything down, so I hope the ro..."

This event sounds wonderful!
I have seen some of the pictures of the snow in your area - be safe!

Courtney wrote: "I preordered a copy and it arrived the same day it released. I started reading it the following day. I have to say, it took me a little while to settle in to the storyline at first. I re-read the f..."

I have a friend who had the opportunity to read an ARC of Black Leopard, Red Wolf and loved it but did mention that readers expecting a "Game of Thrones" will probably be disappointed.

I know even the author has mentioned that this book was a "Game of Thrones" type story.

But I do think that this type of comparison often means "expectations" that a reader expects to see in the storyline.

I try really hard to ignore that type of buzz and take the comparison had a high level - in this case that it is an epic fantasy with intertwining storylines/pov and a huge cast of characters.

Beverly wrote: "Courtney wrote: "I preordered a copy and it arrived the same day it released. I started reading it the following day. I have to say, it took me a little while to settle in to the storyline at first..."

I agree with bypassing eye-catching comparisons. I looked beyond that and took the story for what it's worth. To me, it stands on its own two.

Also, I've gained so much more perspective after reading the interview Marlon James did with Goodreads. It might be premature, but I'm excited for the next additions in the trilogy.

I'm so weirdly and simultaneously scared to read (because of reported violence) and excited to read (because Marlon James) this novel. For me that means I'm not buying it, but instead waiting for the book to come into my library, which is ordering 5 copies, and I'm #3 in line...so hopefully I'll be starting any day now and can judge for myself.

I would never be able to get through a novel like this via ebook. Not just because of length but because of having some of these reported scenes situated so close to my head--I may want them instead at arm's length.

It just came into the library...I have it in my hands...yay, a map! I'm excited.

The weather is cooperating, so I'll be off to get my book and see Marlon James tomorrow!

I got it a few days ago, and I will be reading it on paperback. I'm reading "The Windup Girl" right now but I'm hoping to start "Black Leopard Red Wolf" in early March!!

Rafael wrote: "I got it a few days ago, and I will be reading it on paperback. I'm reading "The Windup Girl" right now but I'm hoping to start "Black Leopard Red Wolf" in early March!!"

I loved The Windup Girl. Not relevant, but I had to say it :) More on task, I've got about 150 pages left of Black Leopard, and for me it's worth all 600 pages.

I’ve ordered the hardcover, it should be arriving on the 28th of Feb. Very excited to read it!

This may be a longish book but it flows easily--lots of short paragraphs and dialogue--so if length is keeping anyone away, don't worry, this story is just not as dense on the page or as formidable on any level as Brief History is (or was for me, anyway).

Interview w. James in The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

The page also has a link in it to Marlon James's review of Oreo and his review is a wonderful exploration of what might have happened if Fran Ross had been given the attention she was due when the novel was first published:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

The event with Marlon James in Seattle yesterday was excellent. He did a number of readings and I'm quite excited to get started on the book. We didn't get to have lunch and be in the downstairs pub because of flooding, but that was only a minor disappointment. It was still a small event since it was ticketed and they gave us a $30 gift card to make up for the lunch, so I have my signed copy of the book (already paid for with the ticket) and a copy of Killing Commendatore. I wish I had taken notes, but I got so entranced that I didn't. I'm hoping I can remember and express some of the interesting details as I read the book. I do remember his hysterical story of an argument with a friend about casting the Hobbit. His friend was arguing for white characters because of European histories influencing the story. He had to remind him that the story isn't real much like the recent "Santa Claus is white" gaff. Of course it was actually funny when he told it;) All in all it was a great day!

Thanks Karen Michele. Everything about Marlon James's interviews and essays makes me think what an approachable and thoughtful author he is.

I want to check on something with people who have started the novel. I'm getting an impression as I read Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and that I also had when I read Brief History of Seven Killings, that James's fictional style is very film-like. it's a style of writing that firmly stays in the visual/perceivable realm. It doesn't delve into the interior of its characters. It doesn't let us know what characters are thinking and feeling.

I wondered if other people are experiencing this impression from their own reading, and if so what you think of it.

Lark wrote: "I want to check on something with people who have started the novel. I'm getting an impression as I read Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and that I also had when I read Brief History of Seven Killings, th..."
I just started this one this morning Lark. I've only gotten through Part 1 but I can see what you are saying. It is very much directed at the action and scene building, almost like the reader is a fly on the wall. I'm liking it so far and am glad I was able to get a hold of it so soon.

I am noticing that there's not much internal dialogue. It's much more action-oriented.

Lata wrote: "I am noticing that there's not much internal dialogue. It's much more action-oriented."

I agree Lark and Lata, it is a very cinematic novel and would make an incredible film, although I can't bear to think of anyone but Marlon James writing the screenplay. While I didn't see much self-reflection from the characters, you do get inside several heads (especially Tracker) gradually, just by seeing their reactions to people and events. I know people keep referring to it as epic fantasy, but for me it's more of an epic myth. More Homer than Martin. Plus Marvel comics.

I haven't read any reviews of it yet - waiting until I finish the book - which will be today!

I have a signed copy from The Strand, and I am excited to dive further. I might not finish quickly though, because I've started lots of other books. So far, I recognize the ties to Game of Thrones, but I found the text to be pretty dense. I'm only about 40 pages in and a first time reader of Marlon James, so I'm looking forward to things picking up in a few chapters.

I read that Guardian interview, and he said he was too busy to write the screenplay. I think we’ll have to rely on others to safeguard James’ vision.

Lata wrote: "I read that Guardian interview, and he said he was too busy to write the screenplay. I think we’ll have to rely on others to safeguard James’ vision."

Uh oh. I hope they don't try to make it into a medieval Black Panther. I liked that movie a lot, but this is a whole other thing. I will say no more ;)

Link below to a convo between Marlon James and Roxane Gay about BLRW. I especially liked her statement: “There are no comfortable sentences where you can just sink in and read it without putting in work, It really demands an active reading experience.”

https://www.latimes.com/books/la-et-j...

More from Washington Post book critic Ron Charles on BLRW:

“Black Leopard, Red Wolf,” the spectacular Afro-fantasy epic by Booker-winner Marlon James, is No. 1 on The Washington Post local bestseller list (review). This is encouraging for two reasons. First, it’s always great to see a brilliant, difficult novel fight its way to the top of that roster of silly airport-thrillers and sentimental schlock (snob alert!). Second, “Black Leopard, Red Wolf” challenges heteronormative expectations about superheroes: Enough with the snickering about Batman and Robin! James gives us something like Achilles and Patroclus in love but with more fur and fury. James now regrets calling his novel — the first of a planned trilogy — the “African Game of Thrones,” but he’s not wrong.

Hear, hear, Willuam! : )

William wrote: "More from Washington Post book critic Ron Charles on BLRW:

“...James now regrets calling his novel — the first of a planned trilogy — the “African Game of Thrones,” but he’s not wrong...."

I am so glad to hear that - I was so surprised that he made that comparison. I thought that either I was missing something major, or he was trying to drum up book sales. I'm glad it's neither.

I had to set the book aside and finish some February books, but now I am through the first 2 parts and the atmosphere and voice created from the first page of the book absorbed me in the story immediately. I do think it is cinematic and Marlon James talked about movie possibilities for both of his books, but couldn't give away much. I love the dialogue and I hear James' voice as I read. I also just came across the term "noon magic" which reminded me that he talked about African magic being right out there in the daylight as opposed to the midnight hour of other traditions.

They do love James in the Wash. Post. Anyone live in Santa Fe? I have a sister in Los Alamos. Maybe she'll make the drive.

From the weekly Book Club:

The book talk I’d most like to hear this year: George R.R. Martin will be in conversation with Marlon James on April 10 in Santa Fe (ticket info). James is the Booker Prize-winning author of the spectacular new fantasy novel, “Black Leopard, Red Wolf,” about a man looking for a lost boy at the center of a deadly power struggle (review). He says he started the book — the first of a planned trilogy — because he was frustrated by the lack of black characters in epic fantasies. Before his novel appeared, James joked that he was working on "an African Game of Thrones.” But that wasn’t the start of a literary feud. Martin sent James a note saying he was excited to read his new book, and James told GQ magazine that “George R.R. Martin is a pretty woke dude.” Even if you’re not in Santa Fe next week, you can still see the conversation between James and Martin on The Verge's Facebook and Instagram Live. In related news, Latin fans of Martin’s work can finally listen to “A Song of Ice and Fire” in Spanish — all 200 hours (audio sample). Next week, Penguin Random House Audio will begin releasing audiobooks in the series, starting with “Juego de tronos,” narrated by Victor Manuel Espinoza, the voice of Homer Simpson in Latin America. Doh!