A review by solnit_and_sebastian
The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man by James Weldon Johnson, Arna Bontemps

adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Johnson's shrewd decision to publish his novel as an autobiography, rather than a work of informed fiction, likely lent credence to the account of one biracial man's self-concept and lessons learned as he became educated, traveled within the U.S.A. and across Europe, saw his profits fluctuate, and arrived at a personal identity. Johnson's novel addresses what he often refers to as "the race question" in America from the lens of an early twentieth century writer, and his insinuations are distressingly relevant today.

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