Pigeon English

The idea of faith in a higher being or power penetrates the entire novel. The Jubilee Center where Harri and his family worship is not a traditional church space, but it is a sanctuary for Harri because of the community that meets there every week. Coming over from Ghana, having this community is in many ways a connection to his past life there. While none of his good friends are religious, this does not deter Harri from continuing his own relationship and understanding of God. Much of Harri’s internal logic and reasoning connect to his beliefs and he has a hyperaware conscience. In the moments when he witnesses the violence and bad attitudes in persons like those in the Dell Farm Crew, he considers how different they would be if they only had more knowledge of God and Jesus.

Gang violence is prevalent in Harri’s new neighborhood, something he is quite unaccustomed to, but he is forced quickly to learn the “rules” in order to more safely and intelligently navigate his environment. There is a continual push and pull between groups and individuals, where one side is kept under foot. Whether it be the Dell Farm Crew against Harri and his friends,