Reviews

essay collections are always difficult, and these were not all of the same strength, but baldwin is always an amazing and insightful writer. can be a quick read, but worth it to sit with the writing and the ideas of a lot of these essays.

tonski's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

unladylike's review against another edition

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4.0

First and foremost this short collection of essays is a scathing review of the white liberal. He is witnessing behaviors leading up to the mid 1950s, but almost everything still applies today to the average liberal American's notions and subsequent ideals or dreams of Blacks.

Secondly, it is an explanation and description of several dilemmas or conundrums for the Black American. I was not familiar with the particular books and films Baldwin reviews in this text, so it ended up not being my favorite of his writings. I am particularly interested in his thoughts on the dynamics between Black and Jewish Americans, which reflects upon the U.S.'s history of oppression tactics more broadly. He states that he does not believe people who are oppressed naturally gain some wisdom or empathy regarding another class of oppressed people (to paraphrase).

toastyghostie's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent in its own right, but also a nice follow up to having read Giovanni's Room several months ago.

kamna's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

ggrillion's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

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