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A review by tashrow
Guardian by Julius Lester
5.0
This is a gripping, striking novel of lynching told from the point of view of a white teen boy who witnesses the hate crime. It is the summer of 1946 and Ansel is fourteen years old. He is the son of the store owner in a small town in the Deep South. One of his best friends is Willie. Though they fish together often, there is always an awareness of their differences solely because of the color of their skin. Ansel is also in love with Mary Susan, daughter of the local pastor, who fairly glows with purity and sexuality. Enter into this an evil spoiled wealthy kid and you have everything it takes to make a lynching.
Lester's language is lyrical, somber and almost languid with the heat of the South. He takes the time to examine each person in the story down to their soul. Each person trapped in their own pain, their own decisions. Each with their own guilt and shame. This is done for a reason, so that knowing these people that deeply, one can only feel gut-wrenching, fearful amazement at what they allow to happen.
Racism is dealt with head on. Lester doesn't hide the evil of racism, but rather shows that a community and nation this divided must inevitably lead to horror and evil. It is a powerful book for all that it says without being didactic and preaching. It is instead a moment in history caught, captured and revolting.
This powerful book with its amazing writing is also invitingly short. High school classrooms will embrace it as a catalyst for discussion of race in America. Even adult book discussion groups should take a look at it. One of the most powerful novels on race I have ever read, this is one of my top teen novels of the year. I can't wait to see the cover art.
Appropriate for ages 14-17.
Lester's language is lyrical, somber and almost languid with the heat of the South. He takes the time to examine each person in the story down to their soul. Each person trapped in their own pain, their own decisions. Each with their own guilt and shame. This is done for a reason, so that knowing these people that deeply, one can only feel gut-wrenching, fearful amazement at what they allow to happen.
Racism is dealt with head on. Lester doesn't hide the evil of racism, but rather shows that a community and nation this divided must inevitably lead to horror and evil. It is a powerful book for all that it says without being didactic and preaching. It is instead a moment in history caught, captured and revolting.
This powerful book with its amazing writing is also invitingly short. High school classrooms will embrace it as a catalyst for discussion of race in America. Even adult book discussion groups should take a look at it. One of the most powerful novels on race I have ever read, this is one of my top teen novels of the year. I can't wait to see the cover art.
Appropriate for ages 14-17.