"Where the Line Bleeds" is a novel written by Jesmyn Ward, an American author known for her powerful and evocative storytelling. The book was first published in 2008 and marks Ward's debut as a novelist.
Plot Summary:
"Where the Line Bleeds" is set in the fictional town of Bois Sauvage on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a place deeply influenced by the author's own upbringing. The story revolves around the lives of twin brothers, Joshua and Christophe ("Christie") DeLisle, who are eighteen years old and on the verge of adulthood.
The twins' lives take different paths after their high school graduation. Joshua secures a job at a local convenience store, while Christie struggles to find work. Unable to find employment, Christie becomes involved in drug dealing, a decision that pulls him into a dangerous and destructive world.
As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the challenges faced by young Black men growing up in a poverty-stricken community. Ward portrays the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of limited opportunities, and the allure of quick money and escape through drugs.
The twins' lives diverge further as Joshua remains committed to finding an honest way to support himself and his girlfriend, while Christie becomes deeply entangled in the drug trade. Their choices lead them on separate journeys with tragic consequences.
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