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c100's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ducor31's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
karlies's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
naleagdeco's review against another edition
2.0
Like most of Baldwin's work I find his anti-intolerance stance admirable. The book did not catch my attention either as a play or a statement. Unlike [b:To Kill a Mockingbird|2657|To Kill a Mockingbird|Harper Lee|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1214592473s/2657.jpg|3275794], which felt a bit more universal, this book doesn't escape the world it was set in.
I can respect the historical significance of this book, but to a twenty-first century whippersnapper for whom racial coexistance is not an opption but implied in existence, the issues it deals with are disrespectfully and --yes, naively-- discarded as an anachronism in my experienced world. Even when forced to admit its acceptance, the nature of racism has changed such this book may not shine enough light on the issues we today grapple.
I can respect the historical significance of this book, but to a twenty-first century whippersnapper for whom racial coexistance is not an opption but implied in existence, the issues it deals with are disrespectfully and --yes, naively-- discarded as an anachronism in my experienced world. Even when forced to admit its acceptance, the nature of racism has changed such this book may not shine enough light on the issues we today grapple.
sweetmisty's review against another edition
4.0
I love James Baldwin. I love his pure honesty and language. I had to read this for class but Richard as a character grew on me. I was very invested in his relationship with Jaunita, and her last speech about him was so sad omg. I need to read more Baldwin. I liked how he wrote this in a way to possibly show how a white man defends his crimes against black people. The main racist, Lyle, was one of those "I'm not racist, I work with black people all the time (and call them n***** to their face)" racists and they're common. Yeah, so it's too bad the play ended the way it did but its nice to know they both lied to save their asses in court, but of course it only worked out for the white man.
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
lizaroo71's review against another edition
4.0
I am trying to work my way through Baldwin's entire canon.
This is solid writing. But I think my favorite writing is in his introduction to the work.
I understand what Baldwin is trying to do here. He wants to make a one-dimensional character three-dimensional. We get the story of the death of an African-American male in the South during the 1960's. Racism is rampant and you are privy to conversations, albeit imagined, between the white southerners that attempt to give credence to their myopic view of the world.
This is not an easy read. There are many parts that made me cringe, but I know that Baldwin wants the reader to flinch at the ugly reality of racism. As I read, I feel the inequities that Baldwin discusses still exist. I also think that the glimpse into Lyle's life as a white man in the South is an attempt to show a man that is a result of his surroundings. But, that seems too easy. The same can be said for the man that is murdered - Richard's life. There seems to be stereotypes, but, I have to wonder if they are stereotypes given the date of publication. Baldwin is writing what he sees. And remember that he left America for a few years because of the racism that existed. So, this is what he knows.
All in all, a solid piece of writing that I am glad I read.
This is solid writing. But I think my favorite writing is in his introduction to the work.
I understand what Baldwin is trying to do here. He wants to make a one-dimensional character three-dimensional. We get the story of the death of an African-American male in the South during the 1960's. Racism is rampant and you are privy to conversations, albeit imagined, between the white southerners that attempt to give credence to their myopic view of the world.
This is not an easy read. There are many parts that made me cringe, but I know that Baldwin wants the reader to flinch at the ugly reality of racism. As I read, I feel the inequities that Baldwin discusses still exist. I also think that the glimpse into Lyle's life as a white man in the South is an attempt to show a man that is a result of his surroundings. But, that seems too easy. The same can be said for the man that is murdered - Richard's life. There seems to be stereotypes, but, I have to wonder if they are stereotypes given the date of publication. Baldwin is writing what he sees. And remember that he left America for a few years because of the racism that existed. So, this is what he knows.
All in all, a solid piece of writing that I am glad I read.
bzzz3234's review against another edition
5.0
who is better at distilling the petrifying calamity that is facing white supremacy and colonial legacies head on, literally digesting them? at explaining that to do so is to literally meet madness bc such atrocities are absolutely maddening? do you know what i'm saying? anyway, james baldwin is truly a master at telling stories that wriggle in so deep into these facts it's hard 2 miss, hard 2 even look away and catch ur breath.