Lisa Braxton

A stimulating depiction of middle-class Black life in the early 1970s, The Talking Drum, Lisa Braxton’s debut novel, explores gentrification as the factory town of Bellport, Massachusetts faces eminent domain, a redevelopment project. Though many of its residents live relatively well, some who live in the enclave of Petite Africa, a community of African and West Indian immigrants, dwell in landlord neglected homes. However, amid the stress, they maintain their livelihood with small businesses and pride until awful mysterious incidents occur and the pressure becomes too much.

Lisa Braxton portrays the eclectic cast of residents in The Talking Drum as three young couples, and others in the town, whose lives reflect different points of view as they respond to plans for an arena, new shops and restaurants, a marina, and luxury apartments. Sydney has postponed her law studies to partner with and support her husband Malachi’s dream of owning a business called The Talking Drum Bookstore and Cultural Center – no small feat, as it turns out; however, they expect to benefit from the redevelopment. Malachi’s friend Kwamé, who schmoozes with the mayor, manages a record shop and lives with Della, an assistant librarian, and her young daughter, Jasmine. Omar, a Senegalese immigrant, tries to establish his drumming career while his wife Natalie earns a small income doing voiceovers and singing jingles for radio. As their lives intertwine, they become a hodgepodge of heightened emotions.

The Talking Drum is filled with 1970s historical fiction. Readers are transported back to afros, bell-bottoms, and platform shoes; ubiquitous cigarette smoking and ashtrays; record albums and music artists of the day. In this setting, Lisa Braxton intrigues her readers with Senegalese culture, tangled interactions between American Blacks and black African immigrants, and overall, authentic relationships. As a guest at a Senegalese restaurant, the owner and other Senegalese immigrants treated Lisa to meaningful stories for her research. Lisa also took hand drumming lessons and met African drummers who shared their knowledge. The best research came from within – her family background and memories of growing up. Lisa’s parents owned a successful clothing store in Boston that was affected by gentrification. She shares their beautiful family story and photos on her website, a must-read.

Readers have enthusiastically welcomed The Talking Drum as one of a few novels that delve into a central theme of gentrification, still relevant to our never-ending struggle to cope with social issues. As recognition for her work, the Debutante Ball Class of 2020 chose Lisa Braxton as a “deb.” On the journey to publication, she blogged weekly about different topics for the Debutante Ball website, a supportive place for new authors. Lisa enjoyed the experience.

Visit Lisa’s website to see other accomplishments, recognitions, and details of her journalist-writer-author educational and career background. Feel free to contact her and visit her social media listed at the bottom of her homepage.

Book Clubs! The Talking Drum supplies a list of questions for discussion.

Lisa, thank you for this picturesque postcard of your hometown! Bridgeport, Connecticut, undoubtedly inspired your fictional city of Bellport, MA, in The Talking Drum. Gazing at the image sparked my curiosity and led me to google images of the city. I wonder how you feel when you visit. 🙂

~Anita~

Readers, here’s a bit of entertaining trivia about Bridgeport, CT: P. T. Barnum was elected mayor in 1875, the Frisbee originated there, and so did Subway restaurant.