Reviews

Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison

apollonium's review against another edition

challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

toffishay's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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

I love Invisible Man, so I decided to finally read Ellison's other novel. This one was finished posthumously, but I think that it stays true to the authors voice (although, I am certainly no expert on that). His style seems to be more cerebral and metaphorical and that is certainly on display here as well. It is challenging, both in prose and in the heavy topics explored. But I think that it is worth the effort. Chapter 7 was a particular stand out for me and honestly I think that could be read as a nice short story if you don't have the time to read the whole book. But again I do think it is worthwhile. But certainly, review content warnings.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racial slurs, Slavery, Racism, and Rape

andrewfontenelle's review against another edition

3.0

An introduction to the history of the Juneteenth Holiday with a number of references for further reading.

aisteinberg's review against another edition

3.0

finished juneteenth on juneteenth......... happy juneteenth!

winnwrites's review against another edition

slow-paced

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

3.75

I loved Invisible Man, but unfortunately throughout this book I continually felt that the work was unfinished; I lacked the context and background to really connect with the characters and plot. The famous IM metaphors also did not have the same opportunity to develop as strongly or intricately in this text; I will be reading Three Days Before the shooting at some point, and hopefully connect with this cast the same way I was able to with Invisible Man. 

martian_meerkat's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

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

4.5

ralovesbooks's review against another edition

2.0

Thank you to Random House for my free audio copy!

I struggle with posthumous works, and this one was a challenge for me. At its best, gorgeous language (reminded me of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson) contained sharp observations that are relevant today.

edenseve63's review

5.0

To read my review go to my Book Blog at http://eveineden.blogspot.com/ please follow me and leave a comment. Happy reading

rohitkrishnakumar's review against another edition

1.0

Difficult style of writing to follow.

mwanamkembaya's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racial slurs, Rape, and Slavery

Minor: Death of parent