Black Boy

By: Richard Wright

Narrated by: Peter Francis James

Length: 15 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Richard Wright's powerful and unforgettable memoir of his journey from innocence to experience in the Jim Crow South. At once an unashamed confession and a profound indictment, Black Boy is a poignant record of struggle and endurance - a seminal literary work that illuminates our own time.

When it exploded onto the literary scene in 1945, Black Boy was both praised and condemned. Orville Prescott of the New York Times wrote that "if enough such books are written, if enough millions of people read them maybe, someday, in the fullness of time, there will be a greater understanding and a more true democracy". Yet from 1975 to 1978, Black Boy was banned in schools throughout the United States for "obscenity" and "instigating hatred between the races".

The once controversial, now classic American autobiography measures the brutality and rawness of the Jim Crow South against the sheer desperate will it took to survive as a Black boy. Enduring poverty, hunger, fear, abuse, and hatred while growing up in the woods of Mississippi, Wright lied, stole, and raged at those around him - Whites indifferent, pitying, or cruel, and Blacks resentful of anyone trying to rise above their circumstances. Desperate for a different way of life, he made his way north, eventually arriving in Chicago, where he forged a new path and began his career as a writer. At the end of Black Boy, Wright sits poised with pencil in hand, determined to "hurl words into this darkness and wait for an echo". Seventy-five years later, his words continue to reverberate.

©2009 Richard Wright (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

An excellent read

hearing the story of Richard Wright has left me with a legacy that I will never forget

A Sad but True story of America

An interesting autobiography which was delivered in a most fantastic way. A must read for all.

The Foundation for Black Artists

Richard Wright is a literal revolutionary genius. Every chapter takes you on journey into the soul of black culture

historical view of race relations

this first person account describes race identity and the struggle with injustice. it models a individuals decision making and personal journey of freedom of spirit despite ongoing society lags and limits. capitivating and inspiring

A stunning must read

Richard Wright is the greatest American novelist period. His writing infects you and refuses to leave your mind after reading. Black Boy should be read by every person who loves or hates race relations and the study of. It is truth on a level I have never found in a book.

Very good

I liked the book. I may be objective because I'm not into politics now or of the past but part two was a little too political for me.

A story simply told…

The everyday struggle. Search for self in a Country that was not ready to accept him as just an ordinary man. Eye opening and matter of fact.

Wonderful book

The narration and of course the story. Richard Wright is one of the greatest authors my time.

Unique perspective and captivating story

This book has so much trauma and so much hope. It's a great read for anyone interested in Black history, African-American history, communist history, and memoirs in general. I really appreciate hearing his honest thoughts and criticisms of both the Jim Crow South and the supposedly free North. Many different communities followed a parallel process, which I thought was so interesting. I also loved the critique of the politics within the CP and how that can inform our radical activism today. It still stands that the left can be susceptible to petty dramas and look for enemies where we should be seeing comrades. Overall, a wonderful call for solidarity, seeing nuance, and cultural humility.

Recommended Read

The reader did an excellent job differentiating each character. Wright's view of himself is interesting compared to how he was viewed by others. This story related an important narrative about human relationships in America and how the concept of American realities shape them.