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lindseyas's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A coming of age novel like you've never seen before. Set in the mid-1900s in a city where everything is happening all of the time, the unnamed southern Black man, our protagonist, is lost in the chaos. Told from an extremely early point in his life that he should just give in to the white man and white society, the protagonist goes with the flow easily, aiming to please and not be noticed as different. But when he makes his way to New York City, he's forced to be noticed. The protagonist is used as a political prop by a movement that cares little about him, is fought over by opposing sides and is worshipped only for his powerful voice and body — not for his character, his intelligence or his kindness. The protagonist is not treated as a human being, but as a way of being, as a set of values and to further an agenda that he is barely involved in. This novel is all about what being caught in the wave of history is like, and how invisibility, despite its loneliness and often futile attempt at security, is the only escape if we want to hold ourselves dear.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Death, Classism, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Blood, Police brutality, and Rape
jwells's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
WOW. This book is quite a journey. I am so glad I picked it up. Definitely belongs among the classics of American fiction.
So many things happening here. Such a dark, sly sense of humor.
Our narrator's life seems to consist of rewards and punishments mixed randomly. The Brotherhood organization just about out-Vonneguts Vonnegut if you ask me. They recruit him because of a speech that's practically incoherent, and scold him when he becomes too effective.
Act three leaves the realm of comedy, even very dark comedy, though, doesn't it. Some stunning writing in those scenes.
So many things happening here. Such a dark, sly sense of humor.
Our narrator's life seems to consist of rewards and punishments mixed randomly. The Brotherhood organization just about out-Vonneguts Vonnegut if you ask me. They recruit him because of a speech that's practically incoherent, and scold him when he becomes too effective.
Act three leaves the realm of comedy, even very dark comedy, though, doesn't it. Some stunning writing in those scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Police brutality, Racism, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Incest and Racial slurs
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