Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha is set in California in the 1990s amidst the background of the race riots that were sparked off by the brutal beating of Rodney King by police officers. A similar incident has happened in the book where a 16-year-old African American girl, Ava Matthews is shot dead by the Korean owner of a liquor store, Jung Ja Han on suspicion of stealing a bottle of milk.
The story is told from the perspectives of Shawn Matthews, Ava’s brother and Grace Park, Jung Ja’s daughter. Shawn’s perspective is one of coming to terms with his sister’s death and the slow decline of some of his family members. His cousin Ray has been in jail and Shawn has had to step in and become a father-like figure for Ray’s two children. On top of all this, he reflects back on his own youthful experiences as a “banger” (member of the Crips). He feels despair as he sees Ray struggling to keep away from this lifestyle (even as an adult).
Grace’s perspective is one of blissful ignorance as she meanders through life working as a pharmacist in her parent’s drugstore. She is the good daughter who is living at home. Her life is predictable until she figures out the family secret. Meanwhile her rebellious sister, Miriam is estranged from her sister. You could say Miriam is ‘woke’ and as the story evolves you realise where these beliefs come from.
Then a major event happens that turns the story (I won’t say what that is as it’s a spoiler alert). This event ensures that the paths of these two characters are destined to cross.
This is novel is a snapshot of a time of racial unrest in America. It is also a beautiful novel of grace, forgiveness and redemption. It is not a comfortable, cosy read but one that will keep you thinking long after you read the final page. I thoroughly recommend it.
Photo Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferguson_Day_6,_Picture_44.png
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