Native Son (Abridged) by Richard Wright (2003-09-30)

The story of Bigger is especially relevant as the nation again discusses issues of race after the trial of George Zimmerman for the death of Trayvon Martin. It is easy to see how racism and marginalization of young Black men leads to powerlessness and rage, and rage leads to actions that exacerbate racist fear, and that fear leads to more racism.

I found this novel uneven at times. The description about race in America was really fantastic. In addition the contrast between capitalism and communism was interesting as well. However the book is ambitious in mixing the two. Doing so makes for a lesser novel, but still an important one> Recommended.

Native Son is a masterpiece of naturalism and art. I teach it along with Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment as two literary visions of wrong choices in societies given over to contrary wrongs. The meanings hover between condemnations: individual choice, freedom, depersonalization - but as the title tells us, Bigger Thomas is a product of the United States. Poignant in literary excellence, devastating in transmitting pain . . .

It is an honest look at the social, emotional and economic life of many who are born into a life that is poor in every way. It confronts the difficulties of making it out of the deprived life into which many are living through no fault of their own.

It is an honest look at the social, emotional and economic life of many who are born into a life that is poor in every way. It confronts the difficulties of making it out of the deprived life into which many are living through no fault of their own.

The book provided excellent insight into the culture of poverty, helplessness and hopelessness. The main character, Bigger Thomas, was portrayed as a young man struggling every day just to survive in the ghetto.

Occasionally I come across a book that I will read twice. This is one of those books!!

Richard Wright examines the psyche of a Black Man intimidated by his surroundings but too prideful to admit it. He is a product of his own fear and it encapsulates him throughout this raw tale by Wright. Insightful. Exaggerated. Well done.