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Native Son  By  cover art

Native Son

By: Richard Wright
Narrated by: Peter Francis James
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Publisher's summary

Now an HBO Film!

"If one had to identify the single most influential shaping force in modern Black literary history, one would probably have to point to Wright and the publication of Native Son." (Henry Louis Gates Jr.)

Right from the start, Bigger Thomas had been headed for jail. It could have been for assault or petty larceny; by chance, it was for murder and rape. Native Son tells the story of this young black man caught in a downward spiral after he kills a young white woman in a brief moment of panic.

Set in Chicago in the 1930s, Richard Wright's powerful novel is an unsparing reflection on the poverty and feelings of hopelessness experienced by people in inner cities across the country and of what it means to be black in America.

©1993 Ellen Wright (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Native Son

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Absolutely shocking

I knew of this book but not the plot, so it came as a huge shock. It is a book that makes you think; it provides no easy answers. The narration was a little uneven at times, but overall very good. The only disappointment is that it was originally recorded on CDs and no one has edited it to take out the messages "end of disk 1", "beginning of disk 2" etc.

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Bigger Thomas lives in every impoverished child!!!

A great story I wish I could have read a long time ago. I'm more than sure it would have left an impression on me as it has now❤️🖤💚🎉💯

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow!

This is such a great story! It is also very disturbing, the antihero, Bigger, will make the wrong choice every time and as a reader your saying "Oh no don't do that!" or "I can't believe..." It's a story that will make you heartsick and get a glimpse of the black experience.

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Heartbreaking!

Knew nothing about this book prior to embarking upon Modern Library 100...Gritty, shocking, real ..Much has been accomplished but much remains...Adapted from CDs, so cues remain...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I don't even know how to describe it

this book is amazing in every single way, Richard Wright has always impacted me via his books

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Now, more than ever, a must read

This classic text, perfectly performed, is a necessity in our modern times. With a well crafted plot that touches on the heart of many contemporary issues, Native Son will change your life for the better. In my opinion, of course.

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Deep

This life like and wild story invokes a variety of emotions and can be seen from many different perspectives depending on the audience.

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A very hard must read for all Americans.

This book has the guts to tell a story that many seem to have forgotten. This book is relevant in 2019. As a Latino in the US I have a good understanding of racism and the perils of poverty. This book talks about a true dark side, on both ends. Must read if you appreciate black history and the pain and suffering people of color have endured up to now.

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Dark story

Makes one think deep about humanity at its basis and the history of race in America. Great performance but really dark storyline.

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Think

Made me see things in a differently. More deeply. How hard it is to be in control of ones own destiny.

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