Devil Is Fine: A Novel BY John Vercher

In "Devil Is Fine," the biracial narrator faces a complex inheritance: land from his estranged white grandfather, revealing a shocking irony as he becomes the Black owner of a former plantation linked to his mother's family. Still grappling with recent tragedy, he travels to a southern beach town intending to sell the land, but discovers layers of history and identity buried beneath the soil.

Vercher intricately weaves between reality and imagination, past and present, tragedy and humor. Like Paul Beatty's "The Sellout," the novel skillfully navigates themes of race, legacy, and family dynamics. The narrator's journey becomes a poignant exploration of reclaiming a painful past and reconciling with inherited histories that defy easy categorization.

With sharp wit and raw emotional depth, "Devil Is Fine" delves into the complexities of identity and the enduring impact of familial legacies. Vercher's narrative captivates with its surreal twists and turns, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and inheritance in America. As the narrator grapples with what it means to own and reckon with a plantation's history, the novel challenges perceptions and offers a profound examination of the burdens and responsibilities passed down through generations.

Through its gripping storytelling and incisive commentary, "Devil Is Fine" stands as a compelling exploration of race relations and the ongoing quest for understanding and redemption in the face of inherited trauma.