cover image Zachary's Wings

Zachary's Wings

Rosemarie Robotham. Scribner Book Company, $22 (288pp) ISBN 978-0-684-84726-9

A sometimes awkward and sometimes moving debut from Essence editor Robotham, this socially conscious tale of African-American courtship sensitively tackles issues of class and cultural differences. Finding their passion irresistible, magazine reporter Korie, who comes from an elite Jamaican family, and Zachary, a social worker brought up in working-class Philadelphia, tumble into bed and deal with baggage later. But when her gay, AIDS-afflicted, not-quite ex-husband needs to be nursed, Korie invites him to move in with her and Zach, who is living with Korie as a sort of housekeeper after having been fired from his job. Once Sam dies, Korie numbs her pain with marijuana, and the queasily acquiescent Zach finally packs his bags and retreats to his Philly neighborhood. Here Zach is a bystander to a violent confrontation between his sister and an irascible, smitten ex-con and other family furors. Zach's response to these problems deepens his self-awareness and maturity. In Zach's absence, Korie spirals out of control when she adds cocaine to her pharmaceutical diet; she is saved only when she returns home to Jamaica and her stable parents. While the plot sometimes lacks momentum and one wishes for more local color about Jamaica, the descriptions of Korie's drug use are genuine, gritty and compelling. (Oct.)