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A review of Native Son

by Richard Wright

An unforgettable journey of one man’s struggle for survival in a white man’s world

Reviewed by: Beth Williams
About Beth Williams

Native Son Get ready for one of the best reads of your life. Turn off the phone. Curl up in a comfy chair, or hide away in a corner of the library, anywhere where you won’t have interruptions, because once you pick up “Native Son,” you will not be able to put it down. I know. When the professor of my senior English class told us that, I was skeptical, too. But, he was right. The first two books in “Native Son” are a fast-paced fury of action and excitement while the final book slows down to give you a chance to catch your breath before an emotional ending that might just leave you with a few tears or perhaps even cause for self-reflection.

Originally published in 1940, “Native Son” offers a refreshingly honest, candid picture of racial tensions, social barriers between classes and a young man’s anger and sense of helplessness over his position in life.

Bigger Thomas isn’t a happy young man. He concocts robbery schemes. He fights with his friends. He has a girlfriend he doesn’t really love. The fury all comes to a head shortly after Bigger is hired as a chauffer and live-in help by a wealthy Caucasian family, the Daltons. Blind and elderly Mrs. Dalton looks kindly upon Bigger, dreaming of one day sending him to night school, so he can make something of himself. Mary, the only daughter of the Daltons, and her boyfriend, Jan, a devout communist, insist Bigger take them for authentic African American food on his first night on the job. It is only the beginning of a night that will change Bigger’s life forever.

In one frightening moment, Bigger unwittingly becomes a murderer. Mary is dead. In a move that showcases Bigger’s intelligence, he shifts all suspicion onto an unsuspecting ally, leaving him free to run before eyes turn to him.

In the end, Bigger must face the toughest battle of his life. He’s committed murder, not once but twice. An entire town is calling for his hanging. He’s shamed his family. He’s on trial, and his lawyer is fighting for Bigger’s life. Bigger’s response to that fight is perhaps the biggest surprise of all.

The defining charm of “Native Son” is its utter honesty. Author Richard Wright gives an unforgettable insight into the clearly defined racial lines of the time and the effect that barrier had on one young man. Bigger Thomas becomes a real, living, breathing human being. In some ways, his struggle and his anger are something to which we can all relate.

Read this book!!! You won’t know what you’re missing until you pick up “Native Son” and join Bigger Thomas on a journey that you will never forget. I guarantee you. Six years from now, you’ll still call “Native Son” one of the best books you’ve ever read.

I do.

Happy Reading!

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Native Son

Copyright © by Beth Williams, 2003

Reviewed by Beth Williams:
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