What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Story Black
This "thoroughly engaging" third novel by the author of Beetlecreek ("[a] quiet masterpiece" —Kirkus Reviews) follows a Black journalist in the 1970s whose bourgeois life is turned upside down by the subject of his writing assignment.
Edwards, a freelance writer and Black Studies professor at a small college in New York City, is assigned a story for New Black Woman a profile of Mona Pariss, an aging former singer whose popularity in Europe once rivaled Josephine Baker's. With his creditors at the door, Professor Edwards beats a path to the crumbling Harlem apartment house where Mona Pariss, once the toast of Europe for her singing, now lives in squalid obscurity. As his interviews progress, Edwards is gradually drawn into Mona's strange, mystical world. At the same time, he finds himself entering into an affair with a beautiful assistant at New Black Woman magazine. Ultimately he becomes entangled in the lives of both women and nearly loses himself in the process.
Edwards, a freelance writer and Black Studies professor at a small college in New York City, is assigned a story for New Black Woman a profile of Mona Pariss, an aging former singer whose popularity in Europe once rivaled Josephine Baker's. With his creditors at the door, Professor Edwards beats a path to the crumbling Harlem apartment house where Mona Pariss, once the toast of Europe for her singing, now lives in squalid obscurity. As his interviews progress, Edwards is gradually drawn into Mona's strange, mystical world. At the same time, he finds himself entering into an affair with a beautiful assistant at New Black Woman magazine. Ultimately he becomes entangled in the lives of both women and nearly loses himself in the process.
- GenresFiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
William Demby
10 books38 followersAfrican American novelist William Demby was born on December 25, 1922 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
In 1950 Demby published his first novel, Beetlecreek, which he situated in West Virginia. Fifteen years later he published his second novel, The Catacombs. His novels carry themes of race and national identity, and although he spent much of his life into Italy, his novels were focused on American experiences.
In 1950 Demby published his first novel, Beetlecreek, which he situated in West Virginia. Fifteen years later he published his second novel, The Catacombs. His novels carry themes of race and national identity, and although he spent much of his life into Italy, his novels were focused on American experiences.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.