Magic City: A Novel

Dive into the heart of a forgotten American tragedy with Jewell Parker Rhodes' "Magic City: A Novel," a powerful and haunting historical fiction masterpiece. This gripping paperback edition, published by Harper Perennial in 2021, commemorates the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in U.S. history. With a compelling narrative that blends historical accuracy with elements of suspense and mysticism, "Magic City" unveils the hidden truths behind the destruction of Greenwood, Oklahoma, a thriving Black community known as "Negro Wall Street." Jewell Parker Rhodes, a celebrated author known for her insightful exploration of race, history, and identity in America, crafts a story that resonates with both historical significance and raw emotional power. Readers are transported to 1921 Tulsa, a city simmering with racial tension under the oppressive shadow of Jim Crow laws. The narrative centers around Joe Samuels, a young Black man with aspirations of becoming a celebrated magician like Houdini. His dreams are shattered when a chance encounter in an elevator with a white woman leads to a false accusation of rape, sparking a manhunt fueled by racial prejudice and a thirst for vigilante justice. As a bloodthirsty mob descends upon Greenwood, Joe must summon all his cunning and resourcefulness to evade capture, performing the ultimate escape act for his very survival. Parallel to Joe's desperate flight is the story of Mary Keane, a white woman burdened by her own trauma. Raped by a farmhand and pressured into marriage by her callous father, Mary carries the weight of her panicked scream that set the tragic events in motion. Haunted by guilt and seeking redemption, she finds the courage to defy societal expectations and attempts to exonerate Joe, risking everything to fight for justice in a world consumed by hate. "Magic City" is more than just a historical novel; it's a poignant exploration of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Rhodes masterfully portrays the vibrant culture and economic prosperity of Greenwood, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Black Americans in the early 20th century. The novel depicts the deep bonds of community, the pursuit of dreams, and the fight for dignity in a society riddled with systemic racism. The story highlights the tragic consequences of unchecked prejudice and the enduring legacy of racial injustice that continues to shape American society. This edition features a new Afterword by Jewell Parker Rhodes, offering a reflective perspective on the enduring relevance of the Tulsa Race Massacre and its impact on contemporary conversations about race and reconciliation. Perfect for readers of historical fiction, women's fiction, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of American history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality, "Magic City" is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression. Experience a compelling and emotionally charged narrative that honors the victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre and sheds light on a crucial chapter in American history that deserves to be remembered. Explore themes of racial injustice, redemption, and the enduring power of hope, as Jewell Parker Rhodes weaves a tapestry of history, suspense, and human drama in this unforgettable novel.