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Matthew's Reviews > Native Son
Native Son
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This book is extremely powerful. I saw another review saying that they could not believe this was written and released in 1940. I agree - as I can only imagine how controversial the content would have been at that time. And, even today it touches so closely on some of the topics you see in the news everyday, it's like Wright could see into the future.
The main themes in the story involve perceptions and misconceptions of black people as well as how Communism was viewed in the decade leading up to McCarthyism and the Red Scare. In this story there are many points of view and lots of evidence given dealing with tense situations that have no really great answers. I thought Wright did a good job giving a thought provoking narrative without obviously saying "here is the answer!" The story acknowledges that the whole situation is difficult and will not be easily remedied after years of habitual behavior on all sides of the issue. I will be amazed if you can read this and not be left with your mind churning.
Also, I have to say that this was one of the most intense, nail-biting, breath holding books I have ever read. Every page I was gripped waiting for the next development, a resolution, anything. Amazing, gripping writing - such an engaging book! The subject matter may be difficult at times but it deals with topics that are, by there very nature, intense and cannot (and should not) be sugar coated
Finally, I could not help but make comparisons between this book and To Kill A Mockingbird. My reasons might be a bit spoilerish, but if you have read it I hope you know what I am getting at and I will be interested to see if you feel the same.
In summary, Native Son is a powerful and difficult book dealing directly and bravely with social issues from the 1940s that are still relevant today. Considering the nature of the book, it may not be for everyone, but I think that everyone can benefit from the message.
The main themes in the story involve perceptions and misconceptions of black people as well as how Communism was viewed in the decade leading up to McCarthyism and the Red Scare. In this story there are many points of view and lots of evidence given dealing with tense situations that have no really great answers. I thought Wright did a good job giving a thought provoking narrative without obviously saying "here is the answer!" The story acknowledges that the whole situation is difficult and will not be easily remedied after years of habitual behavior on all sides of the issue. I will be amazed if you can read this and not be left with your mind churning.
Also, I have to say that this was one of the most intense, nail-biting, breath holding books I have ever read. Every page I was gripped waiting for the next development, a resolution, anything. Amazing, gripping writing - such an engaging book! The subject matter may be difficult at times but it deals with topics that are, by there very nature, intense and cannot (and should not) be sugar coated
Finally, I could not help but make comparisons between this book and To Kill A Mockingbird. My reasons might be a bit spoilerish, but if you have read it I hope you know what I am getting at and I will be interested to see if you feel the same.
In summary, Native Son is a powerful and difficult book dealing directly and bravely with social issues from the 1940s that are still relevant today. Considering the nature of the book, it may not be for everyone, but I think that everyone can benefit from the message.
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Reading Progress
December 3, 2018
–
Started Reading
December 3, 2018
– Shelved
December 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
2018
December 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
completist-book-club
December 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
classic
December 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
audio
December 9, 2018
– Shelved as:
legal-drama
December 9, 2018
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-25 of 25 (25 new)
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Adina (way behind on reviews, no notifications)
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Dec 10, 2018 01:38AM
I read Black Boy by the author and found it equally good and powerful.
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Well penned, Matthew.
Adina wrote: "I read Black Boy by the author and found it equally good and powerful."I will have to check that one out - I probably need a bit of time to ponder this one some more before I take another like this one on!
Zoeytron wrote: "Well penned, Matthew."Thank you, Zoeytron!
leslie hamod wrote: "A fascinating and insightful review Matthew. You are getting so good at reviewing and remaining personal!"Thank you so much - it means a lot to hear that! I do my best!😀
I felt as you did- such a powerful book. Excellent review, Matthew.
Antoinette wrote: "I felt as you did- such a powerful book. Excellent review, Matthew."Thank you, Antoinette! I am glad it moved you, too.
Great review, Matthew. This really seems like something I would really like. 👍
Pedro Matilde wrote: "Great review, Matthew. This really seems like something I would really like. 👍"Thank you! If you try it I hope you are as moved as I was!
Now you have me wanting to read this.
Chad wrote: "Now you have me wanting to read this."You should!
Keen insights Matthew, enjoyed your take. Reminded me what this was about.
Ned wrote: "Keen insights Matthew, enjoyed your take. Reminded me what this was about."Thanks, Ned!
"Also, I have to say that this was one of the most intense, nail-biting, breath holding books I have ever read. Every page I was gripped waiting for the next development, a resolution, anything. Amazing, gripping writing - such an engaging book! The subject matter may be difficult at times but it deals with topics that are, by there very nature, intense and cannot (and should not) be sugar coated" Sold. I'll read it next.
Steven-John wrote: "Sold. I'll read it next..."Very cool! I hope you enjoy!
Awesome review! I recently read this book for my English class and was blown away by how much I actually learned from this book in our class discussions. I feel as though all of my life I have been taught in school very basic and watered down explanations of racial inequalities in society. But this book really gave me a whole new level of understanding! Also, we read his autobiography Black Boy and compared how his life influenced his writing. If you have not read that yet I definitely recommend! Its like you can see that Bigger Thomas and Richard Wright are the same person. It was super interesting and thought provoking!
Kathleen wrote: "Awesome review! I recently read this book for my English class and was blown away by how much I actually learned from this book in our class discussions. I feel as though all of my life I have been..."Thank you, Kathleen! And, thank you so much for the recommendation! I expect that one would be very interesting as well!
Sounds like something I should add to my list! My sister read it in school but I never did!
Eileen wrote: "Sounds like something I should add to my list! My sister read it in school but I never did!"Go for it! I am always pleased when a classic lives up to the label of classic - I think you with really get into this one.
Awesome Matthew! The prophetic character of it is striking. It reminds me of those white women calling police on black men. This is a cancerous disease.
Vince wrote: "Awesome Matthew! The prophetic character of it is striking. It reminds me of those white women calling police on black men. This is a cancerous disease."Thank you, Vince! Very relevant in this day and age.
One of my favorite books for the reasons that you so eloquently outlined. Great review Matthew.
Dan wrote: "One of my favorite books for the reasons that you so eloquently outlined. Great review Matthew."Thank you, Dan! :) It's very powerful stuff!
(And, sorry for not seeing your comment until now!)
Well written, Matthew.
Liane wrote: "Well written, Matthew."Thank you, Liane!
