Well, published in 1947 by a well known and respected author. I can see why it started a furor and then took a nose-dive into obscurity. I imagine that most Americans of the time (and now) can find themselves in this book and they probably won't like what they see! Waaaaaaay ahead of its time. But, it really shouldn't have been...
Even though the theme is pretty heavy, Lewis writes with light hand and injects humor. I loved Neil's search for who he was, at first just a surface search, and by the end, a very deep and meaningful search. I also love that the ancestor Neil discovered who started this deeper journey was a man of strength and adventure, love and steadiness, who anyone would be delighted to find in their gene pool....if he hadn't been Black...
As Neil's journey progresses, the finds the pride in this ancestor that he deserved and in himself as well.
Needless to say, I greatly enjoyed the book. Am now starting Wicked by Gregory McGuire.
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