In her second novel following her memoir “Token Black Girl,” Danielle Prescod crafts an intricate tale of family secrets, moral ambiguity, and the true cost of astronomical wealth. “The Rules of Fortune” follows the Carter family—a Black billionaire dynasty whose carefully constructed façade begins to crack when patriarch William Carter Jr. dies suddenly on the eve of his seventieth birthday celebration.
The novel opens with a hurricane bearing down on Martha’s Vineyard, where the Carters have gathered at their sprawling estate. This atmospheric setting perfectly mirrors the story’s mounting tension as Kennedy Carter, the younger of William’s two children, uncovers disturbing truths about how her father built his $18 billion fortune.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Prescod demonstrates remarkable growth as a novelist, employing a sophisticated multi-perspective narrative that shifts between family members while maintaining clarity and momentum. The story unfolds through both traditional chapters and interspersed documents—emails, memos, and newspaper clippings—that add texture and authenticity to the world-building.
The prose is sharp and observant, particularly in describing the minutiae of extreme wealth:
“The residences, as Kofi referred to them, were in the back and slightly detached from the main building.
William was eager to settle in and freshen up. After Kofi showed him to his room, he collapsed on the double bed, which was a lot firmer than he expected, and closed his eyes briefly. No one had mentioned to him how exhausting travel would be.”
Character Development and Dynamics
The strength of “The Rules of Fortune” lies in its complex character work. Each member of the Carter family is distinctly drawn:
- Kennedy Carter: The moral center of the story, an aspiring filmmaker whose investigation into her father’s past drives the narrative
- Asher Bennett Carter: The entitled firstborn son who embodies his father’s ruthless business instincts
- Jacqueline Bennett Carter: The calculating former actress who married into wealth and helped craft the family’s public image
- William Carter Jr.: The deceased patriarch whose choices continue to impact his family from beyond the grave
Themes and Social Commentary
Prescod deftly tackles numerous thought-provoking themes:
- The intersection of race and extreme wealth in America
- The moral cost of maintaining generational wealth
- Family loyalty versus ethical responsibility
- The power of secrets and the price of truth
- The complex dynamics of Black excellence and representation
Critical Analysis
While the novel succeeds on many levels, there are occasional pacing issues in the middle section where the multiple storylines temporarily lose momentum. Some readers might find the resolution slightly too neat given the complexity of the moral questions raised.
However, these are minor critiques in what is otherwise a masterfully crafted story. Prescod’s handling of the Ghana storyline and the character of Kofi Asare is particularly nuanced, avoiding simplistic villains and victims while exploring the global implications of American capitalism.
Notable Strengths
- Rich, atmospheric details of wealthy environments
- Complex exploration of Black wealth and privilege
- Well-researched corporate and legal elements
- Strong character development
- Effective use of multiple narrative perspectives
Impact and Relevance
“The Rules of Fortune” arrives at a crucial moment in American discourse about wealth inequality, corporate responsibility, and racial justice. The novel’s exploration of these themes through the lens of a Black billionaire family offers fresh perspectives on familiar debates.
Comparison to Similar Works
The novel sits comfortably alongside works like “Succession” and Mateo Askaripour’s “Black Buck,” though Prescod’s approach is distinctly her own. Fans of Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half” and Kiley Reid’s “Such a Fun Age” will appreciate the nuanced handling of race and class.
Final Verdict
“The Rules of Fortune” is an ambitious, thought-provoking novel that successfully balances family drama with larger social commentary. While not perfect, it marks Prescod as a significant voice in contemporary literary fiction.
Recommended For
- Readers interested in family sagas
- Fans of corporate dramas
- Those who enjoy moral complexity in their fiction
- Anyone interested in discussions of wealth, race, and power in America
Conclusion
Danielle Prescod has crafted a compelling sophomore novel that proves her versatility as a writer. “The Rules of Fortune” is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on wealth, family, and the moral compromises we make in pursuit of success. While it occasionally stumbles, the overall achievement is impressive and worthy of attention.
This is a novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page, prompting important discussions about privilege, responsibility, and the true cost of the American Dream.