A review by maxgardner
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad 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

Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. Colson Whitehead gives us well developed and lovable characters, especially in Elwood and Turner, and his writing style strikes a perfect balance between minimalism and flourish. This is a story about the tension between idealism and realism (cynicism/pessimism) set in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, specifically in a prison for young men that's officially branded as a reform school. Through Elwood's journey at Nickel, Whitehead explores themes of racism, justice, trauma, and survival. Also has one of the most subtle but gut-punching endings I've read in a while.
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