61 pages 2 hours read

Daniel Black

Perfect Peace

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In the rural American South during the 1940s, Perfect Peace by Daniel Black follows an African American family grappling with gender identity after the mother raises her youngest son as the daughter she always wanted. When the secret is revealed, the child, renamed Paul, faces harsh repercussions from family and community, all while navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. This book discusses racism, child abuse, sexual violence, and anti-gay bias.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Daniel Black's Perfect Peace explores complex themes of identity, gender, and family dynamics in a Southern Black community. Reviewers praise its emotional depth, poignant storytelling, and rich character development. Some critique the pacing and occasional melodrama but overall, the novel is lauded for its powerful narrative and thought-provoking content.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Perfect Peace?

Readers who would enjoy Perfect Peace by Daniel Black are captivated by intricate family dynamics, identity struggles, and Southern African American history. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Alice Walker's The Color Purple will appreciate its depth and emotional impact. Ideal for those interested in profound, character-driven narratives.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Emotions/Behavior: Regret

Topics

Gender / Feminism

History: World

LGBTQ

Genre

Historical Fiction