The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen Carter

Let's Talk About It - Book Discussion

Date: Thursday, March 22nd

Time: 6:00 -8:00 pm

Place: Havelock-Craven County Library

When the novel, Emperor of Ocean Park, opens, Judge Oliver Garland (THE EMPEROR) is dead, apparently of a heart attack.    At the burial a man, Ziegler, confronts Talcott, the eldest son of the judge and an upper-class lawyer and professor at an Ivy League law school.  When Ziegler demands to know his late father's ''arrangements,'' Talcott has no idea what he is talking about.  From this opening discussion springs the many twists and turns that alters Talcott’s view of family, love, and justice.

The Emperor of Ocean Park is a window.  A window into family dynamics, the struggles of the privileged African-American, and the complications of marriage.  Yet, all these sub-plots pale to the suspenseful murder-mystery entwined to keep the reader turning pages.

To learn more about the author, Stephen Carter, visit Readers Read’s bio and interview: https://www.writerswrite.com/books/interview-with-stephen-l-carter-70120021

Books are available at the Havelock-Craven County Library.  Discussion will be led by  Michelle Manning, Senior Lecturer, University of North Carolina Wilmington.