By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
Ghalen, an exceptional young Black male, is the child of two seemingly mismatched parents. His mother, a gifted scientist and his father is a vegan cook with an idiosyncratic nature that offers a radical and different understanding of love and humanity.
Their love story sets the tone for “Ghalen: A Romance in Black” by Walter Mosely, a coming-of-age story chronicling Ghalen as he navigates life, identity, and the world around him.
Since Mosley’s first novel “Devil in a Blue Dress,” the critically acclaimed author has explored the lives of Black men and women in America. That same exploration continues in “Ghalen” through his examination of the many faces of love — romantic, familial, platonic — and the power of community.
The Los Angeles native touches on stories of people whose deepest thoughts and motivations have been overlooked, including the neurodivergent, the incarcerated, and immigrants tortured by their pasts, prompting questions like: How does war impact love? How does friendship shape love and a future? And how do we understand each other?
Mosley hopes readers not only engage with his characters, but also bring their own experiences and interpretations to the story.
“Writers don’t have students, they have readers,” he said. “And the thing that I’m always looking for is for readers to see what I’ve said and to change it into something that works for them, but at the same time create something different and new.”
“Ghalen” is a page-turner, one that readers will not want to put down. Yet within the fascinating storyline is a deeper message that encourages readers to reflect on themselves and the world around them.
“I don’t mind if people are entertained, because part of the job of the writer is to make sure that people keep turning the pages,” Mosley said. “But there’s a deeper place where people actually begin to think about themselves, their friends, and their world.”
Through richly layered characters and emotionally resonant storytelling, Mosley once again reminds readers why he remains one of the most influential literary voices of a generation.
Mosley is based in both Los Angeles and Brooklyn. He will host a book talk and signing of “Ghalen: A Romance in Black” at 7 p.m. May 27 Malik Books in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
“Ghalen: A Romance in Black” is available for $24 (hard cover), $14.99 (eBook), and $41.99 (MP3 CD) on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.
