Review by Alice Ngugi -- Mixed Blessings by J.M. Muse

[Alice Ngugi]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Mixed Blessings" by J.M. Muse.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Racism continues to ravage dreams of the affected. The latter continue to rummage for ways that would eventually tarnish the menace. Mixed Blessings is a tremendous book that portrays how some people in society go the extra mile to fight the war against racism.

Honorable Kublai Khan, owner of The House of Jeremiah seeks to unite both Black and Brown. He believes that in the next decade, Hispanics will form the majority in the free world. Together with Ahmed (Khan’s chauffeur), Reverend Harper, and Chaka (Khan’s lover), they hatch a plan to empower the Black Americans. Minister Khan also believes that the census conducted by the government does not recognize the minority’s rights. The House of Jeremiah is being challenged by Reverend Dalton, a member of The Christian Covenant Church.

Meanwhile, the police department is accused of killing a young boy, Sidney, after an unlawful arrest. This incident sparks riots and protests across Long Angeles. Reverend Harper is keen to ensure that the bereaved family receives justice. Star (half black and half Japanese) takes part in a Japanese competition. She succumbs to defeat when she faces a bench of racist judges. Kimberly (who eventually got married to Ahmed) travels to Mexico trying to establish her roots. She feels part of her family does not fully accept her roots.

Khan organizes a mass wedding between Korean women and Black people. He plans to breed a multiracial progeny. At the Covenant Church, Reverend Dalton mobilizes his White followers to bring into ashes the entire breeding facility and kill Minister Khan and his followers. By doing so, he claims to fulfill God’s will.

J.M. Muse seeks to address the effects of racism. As I read this book, it evoked mixed feelings. He displays the themes of tradition and Japanese culture. He tells the story from the third person’s perspective. The dialogues in place maintained a smooth flow of events.

I flagged some inconsistencies in the book. Some characters were just mentioned without their roles being well elaborated. The interpretation of the Bible scriptures contributed to what I didn’t like about it too. Moreover, the role of Africans in fighting racism was too radical, something I did not like. I, therefore, rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

There were a number of grammatical errors meaning it was not professionally edited. Sexual scenes and vulgar language were present. I recommend this book to fiction lovers. Children should be accorded parental guidance while reading it. People easily triggered by violence should abscond from this book.

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Mixed Blessings
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[Mutai Marshal]

great review. Thanks for the insight

[Alice Ngugi]

great review. Thanks for the insight

My pleasure!