jackthegiantslayer's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
vodkaalmelone's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
beautiful but a bit boring at times
and the vernacular made me lose my mind
and the vernacular made me lose my mind
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Suicide, Homophobia, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Violence, and Death
malikp's review
5.0
Claude McKay in "Home to Harlem" depicts the absurdities of early 20th century life for a Black man. Jumping across the Atlantic and eventually finding himself settled in Harlem, Jake, the main character, experiences a variety of different types of people that shape his worldly view on Black life.
Initially I was worried with how the book dealt with the plot, I felt unattached to the main character and the feelings he might have felt. The book is very focused on the minds of the varying types of Black people, with major emphasis included on the wide-ranging shades Black people find themselves in. Toward the end of the story we are able to get a fuller view of Jake and a bustling society at large.
Initially I was worried with how the book dealt with the plot, I felt unattached to the main character and the feelings he might have felt. The book is very focused on the minds of the varying types of Black people, with major emphasis included on the wide-ranging shades Black people find themselves in. Toward the end of the story we are able to get a fuller view of Jake and a bustling society at large.
unafleursss's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.0
browncharlotte18's review
2.0
I found that the story was forgettable and not as gripping as some other Harlem Renaissance books I've read. It essentially follows the main character running from his problems. This cycle never ends. Not much happens either. There is little character development and relationships could have been fleshed out more.
the_last_bookshelf's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
hutchy900's review
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
yung_sch0lar's review
3.0
Nothing ever really happens in this book but it was lovely to journey in and around and through Harlem for a few hundred pages. McKay clearly captures the passion and the magic of Harlem and of the era, it leaps off the page. But it also never really goes anywhere.
At least, it was fun for a while.
At least, it was fun for a while.