Black Boy

De: Richard Wright

Narrado por: Peter Francis James

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.

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 Sad but True story of America

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

An excellent read

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

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.

Richard Wrights storytelling transcends time and culture

I had to read this book almost two decades ago in high school. I reluctant started reading and couldn’t put it down. Rereading it almost 20 years later, it’s just as good. He has a way of painting a mental picture with words that makes you really feel what he’s feeling. The narrator really does a great job of bringing the story to life too.

What a story!!

Here’s a glimpse into black history that toys with your emotions. You find yourself pitying the author and praising him for his courage. The conditions and ideologies of those times are appalling and fascinating at the same time. It was impossible for me to stop listening once The story began. I recommend this to anyone wanting to be a writer and to anyone considered to be an outcast.

Richard Wright Master Story Teller

Black Boy is an enthralling telling of the author’s life. It rings true in its depictions and in the authenticity of the writer’s voice. To read it is to believe, even where you may disagree. The narration is commiserate with the excellence of the work. Very complementary.

heart breaking

I enjoyed the honest insights of a good man. Thanks for sharing this piece of yourself.

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.