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rachelemm 's review for:
The Souls of Black Folk
by W.E.B. Du Bois
I struggled with this one.
While I appreciated the feat Du Bois performed simply by getting this book published at a time when many doubted the intellectual capabilities of black people, I found the structure confusing.
There was some strong writing. For example, the image of a veil between the world as experienced by white people at that time as compared to black people was very striking. It conveyed the feeling of having your nose pressed against the glass, seeing what could be but never being quite able to reach it. I can certainly see how that inspired Ta-Nahesi Coates book 'Between the World and Me'.
However, the language really is of its time; it's overly flowery and full of Biblical references. A couple of chapters were written in the style of a short story which didn't work for me.
The book was almost begging Americans to dig deep into their better nature. I much prefer the fiery style of Baldwin in 'The Fire Next Time'. Of course I understand why Du Bois could not speak in those strong terms but nevertheless I feel his message was not clearly explained.
While I appreciated the feat Du Bois performed simply by getting this book published at a time when many doubted the intellectual capabilities of black people, I found the structure confusing.
There was some strong writing. For example, the image of a veil between the world as experienced by white people at that time as compared to black people was very striking. It conveyed the feeling of having your nose pressed against the glass, seeing what could be but never being quite able to reach it. I can certainly see how that inspired Ta-Nahesi Coates book 'Between the World and Me'.
However, the language really is of its time; it's overly flowery and full of Biblical references. A couple of chapters were written in the style of a short story which didn't work for me.
The book was almost begging Americans to dig deep into their better nature. I much prefer the fiery style of Baldwin in 'The Fire Next Time'. Of course I understand why Du Bois could not speak in those strong terms but nevertheless I feel his message was not clearly explained.