Palace Council, a novel by Stephen Carter
Summary
When Eddie Wesley, a young writer living in Harlem, publishes his first short story in the Saturday Evening Post, he becomes an overnight celebrity. He is soon attending Harlem's most exclusive gatherings, including the engagement party for Aurelia Treene and Kevin Garland, both “royalty” in the black community. Eddie, who has secretly loved Aurelia for years, leaves as quickly as he can. Wandering desolately in a nearby park, he stumbles on the body of Philmont Castle, a wealthy white lawyer and close friend of the Garlands. Clutched in Castle's hands is a cross with a mysterious inscription. Although newspaper reports make no mention of the cross, Eddie is determined to discover its significance. As he searches for answers, he uncovers a web of secrets that stretches over decades and extends from his circle of close friends and family all the way to the Oval Office.
Excerpt
“Hitting the Town”Links of Interest
Watch Stephen Carter discuss the ideas behind Palace Council.Read an interview with Carter about Palace Council.
Watch an interview with Carter conducted by Nancy Pearl.
Listen to an interview with Carter conducted by Farai Chideya of NPR.
Reviews
San Diego Union-TribuneWashington Post