I really didn't love this book and struggled to finish it. It is very political and seems completely about race, but not in a straightforward or clear manner. It has lots of mysticism and cynicism, neither of which are my favorite! The beginning moved especially slowly, although it picks up the pace toward the second half.
This is the story of a nameless black man. He starts at a black university in the deep south and is expelled through no fault of his own. He goes to New York to find a job and learns he was betrayed by the black college's president. He gets a job at a paint factory and is involved in a work accident when a boiler explodes. This is followed by a very bizarre episode when he seems to receive electroshock therapy in the factory hospital as treatment after the accident--a very confusing event that is never explained. I especially don't like it because it raises the possibility that the character's thoughts and conclusions after this event could be incorrect because of damage to his brain or colored by mental illness if the treatment was actually necessary. This one seemingly pointless episode can negate the whole book! After the factory he becomes involved in a political movement, which seems to be communism. The story culminates in a race riot in Harlem.
I wouldn't suggest this book for young readers. The way it discusses race is pretty intense. There is discussion of incest and rape. There is a little swearing but not much. The riot is pretty violent and upsetting. Not a super uplifting book!
This book has some interesting points and can make you think, although it feels like it doesn't completely own its sentiments. It is challenging and takes a fairly large time commitment so be prepared. I wouldn't recommend it for sheer entertainment but it is worth a read.
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