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mariakowal's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jaraddavis02's review against another edition
4.0
Dreamer, by Charles Johnson, is the a work of historical fiction which examines the final years of Martin Luther King, Jr’s work and life. Matthew Bishop, a loyal supporter of MLK and a worker in the movement, is assigned to watch and prep Chaym Smith, an uncanny look-alike of King. Smith, as King’s doppelgänger, explores the the former’s spiritual and philosophical yin to the latter’s yang.
While the book does lack some development of the book’s primary female character, which is unfortunate (I would have loved the author explore her more in depth), the profound metaphysical musings and dialogue was astounding. King’s life is fascinating to me; and to read an imaginative account of his inner thoughts, as a figurative Dr. Jekyll, along with the compellingly contradictory and sometimes complementary reflections of Chaym’s Mr. Hyde kept me captivated.
If you enjoy being provoked to thought, then this is one I’d certainly recommend.
While the book does lack some development of the book’s primary female character, which is unfortunate (I would have loved the author explore her more in depth), the profound metaphysical musings and dialogue was astounding. King’s life is fascinating to me; and to read an imaginative account of his inner thoughts, as a figurative Dr. Jekyll, along with the compellingly contradictory and sometimes complementary reflections of Chaym’s Mr. Hyde kept me captivated.
If you enjoy being provoked to thought, then this is one I’d certainly recommend.
wdudley89's review against another edition
4.0
Like all good books, this one made me want to learn more, in this case, about Martin Luther King. Johnson's novel takes place in the final two years of King's life, when the struggles for racial and social justice no longer allowed themselves to be contained within the bounds of his non-violent movement. The pivotal figure in the book is a man who can pass for King. Johnson uses this character as an opportunity to reflect upon the distinction between essence and appearance, and upon the contingencies of fate that bless some with favorable conditions for life that are denied to others. The story is somewhat thin (hence four stars rather than five) but the thinking is deep and the writing strong. I will read more work by Charles Johnson.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I don't know as much about Martin Luther king Jr as I should and decided to pick this biographical novel as I thought it was as good start as any. It was well written and engaging and definitely made me more interested in reading more and maybe tackle a non fiction next.
ben_miller's review against another edition
2.0
This was a curious one. Charles Johnson, whose novels always seek the balance between character and commentary, succeeds brilliantly in revealing the interior life of Martin Luther King, and fails utterly at writing a novel.
In his best work, (Middle Passage and Oxherding Tale) Johnson writes about the black experience in America with a keen critical eye for all concerned, and with an equal skill in storytelling and characterization. Here, despite coming up with a brilliant doppelganger premise, he's barely even pretending that his characters are anything other than ciphers for stitching together essays on MLK, religion as it relates to civil rights, and a handful of other topics.
Part of Johnson's conceit is that everyone else pales in comparison with the great Doctor, but in doing so he robs the story of its credibility. The narrator (whose name has already slipped away from me) lapses frequently into long, authorial essays on King's oratorical style, or Cain and Abel, and has no voice of his own. The result is that when he does act out or show emotion, as when he destroys a roadside diner, it doesn't feel earned. Amy, his colleague and the object of his hopeless affections, is even more of a joke: A proud, smart, beautiful woman straight from central casting, and without any unique traits to make her interesting.
Then, of course, there's Chaym Smith, the "double." Well, he's deeply flawed and full of angry contradictions, which puts him way above the other two. But still he's a riddle whose solution, and purpose in the story, never gets found out. The only person Johnson really seemed to be interested in was King, and when he's on the page, either orating thunderously or trying to get a minute's peace in the bathroom, the book comes alive. I appreciate it, at least, for giving me these glimpses of him as a mortal man, which whether they are accurate or not, have the ring of truth.
In his best work, (Middle Passage and Oxherding Tale) Johnson writes about the black experience in America with a keen critical eye for all concerned, and with an equal skill in storytelling and characterization. Here, despite coming up with a brilliant doppelganger premise, he's barely even pretending that his characters are anything other than ciphers for stitching together essays on MLK, religion as it relates to civil rights, and a handful of other topics.
Part of Johnson's conceit is that everyone else pales in comparison with the great Doctor, but in doing so he robs the story of its credibility. The narrator (whose name has already slipped away from me) lapses frequently into long, authorial essays on King's oratorical style, or Cain and Abel, and has no voice of his own. The result is that when he does act out or show emotion, as when he destroys a roadside diner, it doesn't feel earned. Amy, his colleague and the object of his hopeless affections, is even more of a joke: A proud, smart, beautiful woman straight from central casting, and without any unique traits to make her interesting.
Then, of course, there's Chaym Smith, the "double." Well, he's deeply flawed and full of angry contradictions, which puts him way above the other two. But still he's a riddle whose solution, and purpose in the story, never gets found out. The only person Johnson really seemed to be interested in was King, and when he's on the page, either orating thunderously or trying to get a minute's peace in the bathroom, the book comes alive. I appreciate it, at least, for giving me these glimpses of him as a mortal man, which whether they are accurate or not, have the ring of truth.
dhilderbrand's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book incredibly powerful. I don't know much about Martin Luther King Jr. I find much of his writing to be "too much" for me - like Maya Angelou... the text is just so dense. He has SO much wisdom to share that I end up feeling overwhelmed. This book gave me a great intro to his life/beliefs. I highly recommend it. The writing was simply beautiful as well. I haven't needed a dictionary like I did for this book in years!
scottwoods's review against another edition
5.0
Able to be read on a surface "what if?" level or for a deeper examination of human conditions, "Dreamer" truly rocks with purpose, mystery and import. A look at an era through a fascinating premise and set of characters utilizing the prism of MLK to engage even the least civil rights interested reader.
ummtara's review against another edition
4.0
Not a must-read but very insightful and worth your time.
abbygiordano12's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent
Very thought-provoking and interesting way to look at a complex historical figure. An important piece of biofiction. I definitely recommend.
Very thought-provoking and interesting way to look at a complex historical figure. An important piece of biofiction. I definitely recommend.
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