A review by lilaypad
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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? No

4.75

This book tore me apart. 5 stars, but i can't recommend this if you're looking for a fun book. While i was able to read this book in a day, the journey it took me in was one that seemed to last a lifetime. Such a sad and devastating read- in the way that you know that there is no happy ending, but hope for it anyway. Besides the absolute raw depiction of racism and injustice for black people, young black men specifically, the book is so well written. The pace, the description, the characterization (and lack-thereof), the tone, and everything else made for an immersive story. If your headspace is ready for the brutal honesty of the past of so many Americans', then Colson Whitehead can take you there.
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