Memphis Reads Archive

Fiction/African-American

Heather Lawson reviews MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA by James McBride (Riverhead Books, 2002)

This is the moving story of four African Americans who are members of the 92nd Infantry Division of the Army, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, and how they became caught behind enemy lines in a small Italian town during World War II. Each soldier deals differently with racism, fear, courage, cruelty, and hate. A series of miracles occurs beginning with Pvt. Sam Train recovering a Florentine statue's head and saving a young Italian boy traumatized by the war. Things become more complicated when Italian partisans, led by the Black Butterfly, enter the village seeking revenge.

Miracle at St. Anna is an emotionally painful, but ultimately uplifting story. Strong character development is a significant aspect of the book. Interesting facts about Italy and the African-American experience during World War II are an added bonus.


Heather Lawson, Public Services

Labels: African-American Fiction, Reviews by Heather Lawson