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orizenda's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
I feel like I would benefit from reading this book with other people and having others to talk about it with. With the accompanying essay about Wright’s grandmother, that helped some, and having already read Black Boy, that also helps to give me context, but there is obviously a lot going on in this, a lot of symbolism, that probably just went right over my head. I also didn’t particularly like the audiobook narrator? But that’s probably just me. Anyway, overall, incredible. Very important book.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Rape and Murder
elj_ne's review
dark
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
This is an excellent classic full of allegory and suspense. The essay at the end was great in terms of contextualising the story and I really appreciated its inclusion in the book. The writing is great, and I felt very immersed in the environment of the story, though I'm not sure I fully 'enjoyed' reading it - it's a bit too dark and sad for that.
Graphic: Racism, Suicide, Torture, and Police brutality
Moderate: Child death and Death
leah_alexandra's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
You think you’re read good writers, and then you pick up Richard Wright and remember just how skilled he was. This book was tremendous. So well-paced and interesting and devastating. And it was just a pleasure to get his extended thoughts on writing it after the novel itself.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
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