This is a very powerful, thought provoking book about the black experience in America which opens the consciousness for all American readers of what it means to live in a multi-racial society in which power splits along racial lines. I could not put it down as the story focuses on the very difficult life of a young black man living on the south side of Chicago and the ramifications of living the black experience in America.
A classic piece of literature, often required college reading. It was meant to be Richard Wright's 1940's race relationships wake-up call to America.
This was on a reading list for school and I liked it so I ended up buying another book by this author.