Reviews

The Man Who Lived Underground by Richard Wright

rashamella's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kgmay25's review against another edition

challenging reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

andrea2428's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

taunymartin's review against another edition

4.0

Took me a while to return to this book, given the subject matter but glad I did.

markiereadss's review against another edition

fast-paced

5.0

“That reality requires that his brown skin envelops a life destined to serve their need of the moment. Should they need to mock and feel superior, he serves that purpose. Should they need a culprit for a murder, he is there. Should they need to erase evidence of their corrupt behavior toward him, his skin is there to be perforated with bullets..” 

This story was brilliant and one that was almost hidden from the world at that. ( the afterward is worth a read )

Fred Daniel’s is accused of a crime. There’s nothing that points towards his guilt except the untimely circumstance and the color of his skin. Through Fred’s evasion of captivity, he’s unleashed a newfound sense of freedom navigating the underground. Here, he is able to be invisible and observe his world in a new light.

Multilayered with themes of religion, racism, police brutality, and innocence woven into a short, powerful story. Wright is one of my favorite authors and one I will continually recommend to every kind of reader 🕳️


5 ⭐️ #foreverbookshelf

carolinab's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

thewalnut's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.75

l_watkins's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

cmleejim's review against another edition

5.0

You can't go wrong with Wright. This allegory for religion and psychology juxtapose together in an interesting story of a man who wants to be free.

starwarz36's review against another edition

challenging reflective slow-paced

4.0