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Kingsblood Royal

sinclair lewis charles r. johnson

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A neglected tour de force by the first American to win the Nobel Prize in literature, Kingsblood Royal is a stirring and wickedly funny portrait of a man who resigns from the white race. When Neil Kingsblood a typical middle-American banker with a comfortable life makes the shocking discovery that he has African-American blood, the odyssey that ensues creates an unforgettable portrayal of two Americas, one black, one white.

As timely as when it was first published in 1947, one need only open today's newspaper to see the same issues passionately being discussed between blacks and whites that we find in Kingsblood Royal , says Charles Johnson. Perhaps only now can we fully appreciate Sinclair Lewis's astonishing achievement.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1947

This edition

Format
352 pages, Paperback
Published
April 10, 2001 by Random House Publishing Group
ISBN
9780375756863
ASIN
0375756868
Language
English

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About the author

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sinclair lewis

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Novelist Harry Sinclair Lewis satirized middle-class America in his 22 works, including Babbitt (1922) and Elmer Gantry (1927) and first received a Nobel Prize for literature in 1930.

Middle-class values and materialism attach unthinking George F. Babbitt, the narrow-minded, self-satisfied main character person in the novel of Sinclair Lewis.

People awarded "his vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humor, new types of characters."

He knowingly, insightfully, and critically viewed capitalism and materialism between the wars. People respect his strong characterizations of modern women.

Henry Louis Mencken wrote, "[If] there was ever a novelist among us with an authentic call to the trade...it is this red-haired tornado from the Minnesota wilds."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclai...

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
29(29%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Steven246
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book gets me angry.

From the very beginning, the plot seemed convoluted and confusing. The characters were not well-developed, and I found it difficult to connect with any of them.

The writing style was also a major turn-off. It was overly descriptive at times, making the story drag on, while at other times, it was too simplistic and lacked depth.

Furthermore, the author's message was unclear. I couldn't quite figure out what he or she was trying to convey through the story.

Overall, this book was a huge disappointment. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
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otaku86
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly have a great passion for reading Sinclair Lewis.

His works always manage to capture my attention and hold it firmly.

This particular book is a significant departure from his other literary offerings.

It delves deep into the extremely disturbing issue of racism that prevailed during the year 1947.

Typically, his books are rather lighthearted satires that poke fun at modern life.

However, this one was at times quite challenging to read, despite the fact that he employed much of his usual engaging dialog.

The vivid descriptions and the raw portrayal of the racist attitudes and behaviors made it a powerful and thought-provoking read.

It forced me to confront the harsh realities of that era and reflect on how far we have come, or perhaps how far we still have to go in the fight against racism.

Overall, while it was a difficult read, it was also an essential one that added a new dimension to my understanding of Sinclair Lewis's body of work.
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BaggyScraggy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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An interesting problem novel has emerged. However, there is not much emphasis on character development within it. It presents many thought-provoking ideas that make the reader stop and ponder.

Yet, when considered as a work of art, it ultimately falls short of being truly satisfying. The lack of in-depth character exploration leaves the reader with a sense of incompleteness.

While the novel may succeed in stimulating intellectual curiosity, it fails to engage the reader on an emotional level. As a result, it fails to achieve the full potential that a great work of art should possess.

Perhaps with more attention given to character development, this problem novel could have become a more memorable and fulfilling piece of literature.

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UKyun
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Heartbreaking

I did a great deal of flinching while reading this. I was born in 1965 in Louisville, KY. Growing up, the use of the N word in my home was something that would merit a spanking. So, seeing it being casually tossed around by a toddler as the dog's original name was rather appalling.

This story is truly heartbreaking and, unfortunately, it is probably quite accurate. It is enough to make me feel ashamed to be white on more than one occasion. Wonderful advancements have been made in the area of race relations, but one only has to turn on the evening news to see that not nearly enough has changed. This story is by no means for the faint of heart. It forces us to confront the harsh realities of our past and present, and it serves as a reminder that there is still a long way to go in achieving true equality and understanding.

We must continue to have these difficult conversations and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. Only then can we hope to move forward and heal the wounds of the past.
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Elika_Ryan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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4.25 stars

This book, Kingsblood Royal, is not quite as smooth and captivating in its prose when compared to most of Lewis' novels. The writing style lacks that certain fluidity and charm that would draw the reader in completely.

Moreover, the ending of the book is overly melodramatic. It seems to go over the top in trying to create a sense of drama and intensity, which actually detracts from the overall quality of the story.

However, it is important to note that Kingsblood Royal was an extremely audacious work for its time. It dealt with certain truths that made some people uncomfortable, to the extent that it was even banned for several years.

In my opinion, despite its flaws, this book should be taught more frequently in college American Literature classes. It offers valuable insights into the social and cultural issues of its era and can serve as a starting point for meaningful discussions and analyses. By studying this book, students can gain a better understanding of the power of literature to challenge and change society.
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shellyao
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Of Lewis's books, this one is by no means the best.

However, it is definitely one that stands out as especially poignant for these times, much like "It Can't Really Happen Here."

It delves into middle America, depicting its seeming benevolence and timidity, while also uncovering the dark and malicious potential that lies at its core.

The truth rests deep beneath the surface of the pretenses of custom and speech convention.

That truth is a cauldron of madness, hate, and violence, constantly seeking a target to unload upon.

In this boom, that target is often the minority populations, specifically African-Americans.

Much like in recent times, they may not be overtly "racist," but they are influenced by all kinds of racist and bigoted rhetoric, bolstered by religion, politics, and economics, for supposedly noble ends.

But make no mistake, it is still racism, and things haven't changed much since 1947 when the book was written, no more than from 1865 to 1947.

Just as "It Can't Really Happen Here" could and did happen in places that seemed impervious to such things, we should also be wary of Lewis's prescience and keen critique.

America is not going to be great again until it faces its demons. It never truly was great in the first place, and it won't be until it comes to terms with its past and present sins of racism and inequality.

We must learn from the lessons of books like this and strive to create a more just and equitable society for all.
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SirPendragon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is far better than what I had anticipated.

It is an uneven read, to be sure. However, the stronger sections within it, along with the evidence that Sinclair Lewis did his typical thorough research before penning the novel, have indeed elevated my rating.

The visceral impact it has and the timely publication right after the war are both highly commendable.

It shows that Lewis was not only a talented writer but also had a keen sense of the historical moment.

The way he presents the story, with its mix of engaging characters and thought-provoking themes, makes it a worthwhile read.

Despite its flaws, the novel manages to capture the essence of the postwar era and offer valuable insights into the human condition.

Overall, it is a work that I would recommend to others interested in exploring the literature of that time period.
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Wasabi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This little fable is perhaps as relevant and timely in the present day as it was when it was first written.

It serves as a powerful "text" that should be incorporated into the curricula of high schools and colleges. When students are delving into the history of racism in this country and striving to understand precisely why the concept of a black man occupying the White House incites such intense reactions in some individuals, this fable can offer valuable insights.

The edition that I had the opportunity to read was a paperback. Despite being a used copy, it was in mint condition, with a cover that was delightfully pulpy. It added a certain charm to the overall reading experience, making it even more engaging and captivating.

This fable has the potential to open up important discussions and conversations, helping students to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often painful history of racism in our society.
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