saul30's review against another edition
5.0
probably one of my new favorite books ... i cried like 5 times
dglds_'s review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
leahtee's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. One of the best I've read in a long time.
chaoticmissadventures's review against another edition
4.0
A very character driven novel, centered around one boys coming of age and the family that surrounds him. You can see Hughes poetry voice shining through in the writing. I particularly liked the character of the aunt who runs away with the circus, and then leads a life filled with walking on the edge of the families morals. All of the characters are complex and vivid. I also enjoyed the ongoing conversation of if Sandy should be going to school, it is a conversation as old as time but so complex with the time period.
becks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
_iamme's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
florizona's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
toffishay's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The writing style of this book makes it really easy to read. Langston Hughes' background as a poet really shines through in the time he takes to describe setting and the flowing language used in dialogue. The book is also a love letter to jazz, at least in part, and the inclusion of song lyrics and descriptions of dancing and singing really make the book come alive. There is a real swath of experiences here, particularly the different perspectives of Black women in the few decades after the end of slavery. The ending kind of loses me a bit, just because I felt like it kind of trailed off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content, Death, War, Vomit, Violence, Slavery, Physical abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
browncharlotte18's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't find this read so compelling, but there were particular dynamics I really enjoyed. This novel does not have a plot, but it focuses on the characters. It follows multiple povs, but Sandy is the central character. The familial relationships that he had and observed were complex because of his own limited understanding as a child compared to how the adult characters perceived the same events. I feel that this is a novel that should be read twice. Admittedly, I only had time to read it once, but there are little details that reveal more about the characters' motivations and actions that are better viewed a second time around. A solid Harlem Renaissance pick.