NPR

Marlon James Builds A New World From Old Stories In 'Black Leopard'

James' new novel is an epic fantasy that he's described as an African Game of Thrones, featuring a rag-tag band of adventurers on a possibly doomed quest, with plenty of blood, sex and monsters.
Source: Olivia Sun

Marlon James could have chosen to write about anything after his last novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings; that kaleidoscopic account of Jamaica won the prestigious Man Booker Prize. So there were a few gasps when the author revealed that his new book would be what some people dismiss as genre fiction.

is an epic fantasy quest — full of monsters, sex, and violence, set in a mythic version of ancient Africa. "The whole idea that you get to the age where you outgrow fairies and witches and wonder

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR12 min read
Chevron Owns This City's News Site. Many Stories Aren't Told
Chevron operates a major refinery in Richmond, Calif. It also owns the city's dominant news site, putting its own spin on events, and runs similar sites in Texas and Ecuador.
NPR3 min readPolitical Ideologies
An Appeals Court Says 'Undated' Pennsylvania Ballots Don't Count
A federal appeals panel says mailed ballots arriving on time but in envelopes without dates handwritten by Pennsylvania voters shouldn't be counted. This case is expected to reach the Supreme Court.
NPR2 min read
As Theaters Scramble To Reach New Audiences, Three Get $1 Million Each
The Mellon Foundation announced grants of $1 million to three theaters: Actors Theatre of Louisville, Long Wharf in New Haven and Portland Center Stage.

Related Books & Audiobooks