The Rib King is set in Chicago in the early part of the 20th century. The first half of the book tells the story of the upper class white Barclay house, and its African American servants including Mr. Sitwell, the groundskeeper, Mamie the cook, and Jennie Williams the maid. Out of desperation Mamie the cook and Mr. Sitwell create a delicious barbeque sauce which is later named Rib King. The businessman who markets the sauce takes Mr. Sitwell's image and puts it on the label.
Halfway through the book, a tragic event occurs, which influences the course of the rest of the book. The story changes perspective, and tells the story of Jennie, 10 years later, who now owns a beauty salon and is trying to market a healing salve that she has invented.
Jennie is a brave, hard working and tenacious character who survives and overcomes the many obstacles that have been thrown in her way. I really admired Jennie. Jennie's story converges with that of The Rib King's, Mr. Sitwell.
The Rib King examines the treatment of African Americans, the indignities, exploitation and abuses to which they are subjected and the stereotypes which persist to the current day. This novel is disturbing, thought provoking and addresses the trauma of racism. The themes addressed in the Rib King are relevant today.
Halfway through the book, a tragic event occurs, which influences the course of the rest of the book. The story changes perspective, and tells the story of Jennie, 10 years later, who now owns a beauty salon and is trying to market a healing salve that she has invented.
Jennie is a brave, hard working and tenacious character who survives and overcomes the many obstacles that have been thrown in her way. I really admired Jennie. Jennie's story converges with that of The Rib King's, Mr. Sitwell.
The Rib King examines the treatment of African Americans, the indignities, exploitation and abuses to which they are subjected and the stereotypes which persist to the current day. This novel is disturbing, thought provoking and addresses the trauma of racism. The themes addressed in the Rib King are relevant today.