ABOUT THE BOOK
We are thrilled to announce that STREET ANGELS BOOKS has published CAROLINA RED, the first major release from RAY SHELL since the debut of his first novel, ICED. Ray Shell describes CAROLINA RED as ‘…the history of the United States as told by God…’
Reminiscent of the likes of Toni Morrison and Ousmane Sembène, Shell unapologetically snatches breaths in the opening pages (and throughout), with the narrator’s fiery tongue, evocative imagery. and visceral, often stream of consciousness prose. At times it feels like three or more books in one, or perhaps a novel, stage-play and extended spoken word performance hybrid, which keeps the reader on his or her toes, as they never know where they might end up next as a fly on the wall.
CAROLINA Red is a saga, often violent, gruesome, and heart-breaking. One that provokes a long hard look in the mirror, and/or a long hard look at your neighbour. Though this psychological and philosophical exploration is profound, the reader will find many unexpected moments of light-heartedness and sarcasm. With a bevy of richly drawn characters from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, ranging from slave owners and slaves to their descendants, and from ailing elderly to promiscuous youth, and told over the course of multiple generations, this novel is a miniseries adaptation awaiting the green light. It is unfathomable to consider that upon reading Shell’s page-turning opus, one could do so without being incensed by the beliefs and actions of others, and/or feeling singled out for one’s own behaviours, ego, and ignorance!” Robert X. Golphin, Actor | Writer-Director
ABOUT RAY SHELL
Ray Shell is a multi-hyphenate artist and published author (Iced, Spike lee; The Eternal Maverick, Carolina Red). He is an actor who has appeared in over 15 West End productions, including starring as the original Rusty in Starlight Express. His films include the current Academy Award contender The United States Vs. Billy Holiday. He has worked with the top tier cream of the entertainment industry including Lee Daniels, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Cameron Mackintosh, Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Trevor Nunn, Clarke Peters, Marc Shaiman, Stephen Scwartz, and many others. He is also the founder of recently launched publishing imprint, Street Angels Books.
