Scan barcode
A review by amissabellator
The Marrow of Tradition by Charles W. Chesnutt
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Murder, Slavery, Child death, Police brutality, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Racism, Classism, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, Gun violence, and Hate crime
Moderate: Infertility, Religious bigotry, Cursing, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Medical content, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Rape
It is a book about racism post-Civil War, during the Reconstruction Period, and heavily features racially motivated mob violence (such as that perpetuated by the KKK and Captain McBane was a member of the KKK whose horrific actions are described in the text ) and the incitation of such violence by members of the media. Often to frame Black characters as a "threat" to white society, characters will imply that sexual violence against white women is a motivating cause for white supremacy and this becomes an important detail in one plot (specifically when Sandy is arrested for the murder of Polly Ochiltree, despite him being innocent ). No sexual assault occurs in the text, however. There is also a plot involving a sick child who must undergo a dangerous surgery to save their life but the surgery does not occur . A female character also suffers from infertility and this is said to be because of age and numerous unsaid illnesses (and results in nervous tendencies). This story can be an upsetting read, so go in prepared.