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Quickie Book Review: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

by James Weldon Johnson

(I'm using the next few posts to play catch-up with my book reviews. You have been warned.)

Originally published in 1912, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man was believed to be based upon the author's life, telling the story of a young black man growing up in New York during the 1900s. Living with his mother and with the occasional visit from his white father, being light skinned didn't make a mark on him; it's just who he was. Then, a few white boys at his school called him the "n" word, making him question his own heritage. From that point, he began to use his skin color as a means to make his way in the world, because he wanted to be an artist. His effort to keep his secret inevitably cost him the love of his life, though, when he finally accepted who he was and told her the truth of his heritage.

James Weldon Johnson's story provides a unique look into the racial relations during the turn of the Century, showing not only the difference between white and black but also some of the class relations with the black society, as he perceived them. It's a fascinating read.

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
by James Weldon Johnson
Penguin Books
trade paperback, 154 pgs.



This post first appeared on A Life In The Day, please read the originial post: here

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Quickie Book Review: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

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