A review by nailaj
The Living is Easy by Dorothy West

challenging dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Mr. Hartnett failed in business, and blew his brains out just like a white man. Everybody was a little proud of his suicide.

The twisted psychologies of the black aspirant class in the early 19th century on full and foul display. Steel yourself before picking up this novel. 

I give the book five stars simply because of the intense emotional and physical distress it caused me. I just finished it and my stomach is still twisted in hate against Cleo.