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dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Street has been on my TBR for a very long time, I picked it up without much thought for a reading challenge and I was completely blown away.
It's a very bleak and heartbreaking story but it's such a powerful and hard-hitting depiction of the structural racism that underpinned and sealed the life of black people in 1940s Harlem. I would also argue that it is an universal narrative and can easily and effectively translate to those struggling with systemic oppression even in a different time and place.
Ann Petry masterfully employs multiple POVs and captures the depth of feelings and thoughts of the characters; each one is portrayed in all their complexities, never falling into a simplistic "black or white" dicotomy.
I found the writing style really impressive, it's very engaging and immersive. Also, I think the author excels in the use of imagery and can paint the surroundings so vividly that the street itself becomes a character.
I strongly recommend giving this remarkable classic a chance!
It's a very bleak and heartbreaking story but it's such a powerful and hard-hitting depiction of the structural racism that underpinned and sealed the life of black people in 1940s Harlem. I would also argue that it is an universal narrative and can easily and effectively translate to those struggling with systemic oppression even in a different time and place.
Ann Petry masterfully employs multiple POVs and captures the depth of feelings and thoughts of the characters; each one is portrayed in all their complexities, never falling into a simplistic "black or white" dicotomy.
I found the writing style really impressive, it's very engaging and immersive. Also, I think the author excels in the use of imagery and can paint the surroundings so vividly that the street itself becomes a character.
I strongly recommend giving this remarkable classic a chance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Classism
Minor: Body horror, Bullying, Fatphobia, Gore, Hate crime, Infidelity, Suicide, Police brutality, Death of parent, Abandonment, War