 |
By a strange fluke, John North and Alexio Harper are part of a massive car pile-up, both are rushed to the ER, both die, both come back to life—but the consciousness of each has switched places. John, a tall white guy, inhabits the body of Alex, a short black man, and vice versa. But skin color is only one difference; John is a successful stockbroker; Alex is a cook in a ribs joint; both have wives who are dubious about a husband with the right complexion but the wrong personality. Preposterous as it seems, this madcap dilemma has thought-provoking angles: The men have to perform the other's work, participate in a different family's life, and cope with bodies that can't express their natural moves. The latter is a big hang-up, since John must learn how to please Alex's wife Mandy—in every way—and so must Alex with Lisa. And the only possible medical solutions would be potentially fatal. If it were not for Mr. Benny, a strange angel in disguise, both men's new lives would devolve into total chaos.
This amusing story is not without its serious side; the author, R. W. Sarver, has attempted to address some common black/white stereotypes, raising questions about the societal ills of racism. Sarver says, "I want them [my readers] to feel all the emotions the book has to offer." Combining numerous droll plot twists and enough genuine drama to arouse our sympathy, he has done a creditable job of realizing that ambition. Mr. Benny has a cinematic flair and might be taken up as a made for TV movie. An interview with the author examining his personal motivations for writing the book could stimulate some buzz for it.