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Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Absolutely loved it.

It is truly a gem that often goes unnoticed.

Despite its remarkable qualities, it receives zero praise, which is a great pity.

This piece has so much to offer, yet it remains unacknowledged.

It deserves far more recognition and acclaim than it currently gets.

Perhaps people are simply not aware of its existence or fail to appreciate its true value.

Nevertheless, those who have discovered it know just how special it is.

It has the potential to touch the hearts and minds of many, if only it were given the chance.

We should all strive to bring this hidden treasure to the forefront and give it the praise it rightfully deserves.
July 15,2025
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Sinclair Lewis has rapidly emerged as one of my most beloved American writers of the 20th century.

His remarkable talent lies in his ability not only to identify hypocrisy and its profound impacts on families and society but also to skillfully incorporate it into a captivating narrative.

In "Kingsblood Royal," Neil Kingsblood discovers in post-World War II Minnesota that he is not the white man he believed himself to be; instead, he has Negro blood.

In today's society, this might scarcely be an issue. However, at the time the book was written, it was not uncommon for those of "mixed blood" to be ostracized by the white population among which he had grown up, including his own family.

Lewis holds nothing back in revealing the racism, brutality, and cruelty within Kingsblood's community. He lifts the veil and presents two reactions: either outright overnight hatred towards Kingsblood or those pretending to want to help him with highly self-serving solutions to his new "problem."

The dialogues and motives of his friends and family are blatantly racist. Lewis aims to make the reader squirm, feel uncomfortable, and confront their own racism, similar to the way Kingsblood experiences it.

Ironically, the novel begins with an arc depicting the Kingsblood family having similar racist views towards their African American housekeeper. Nevertheless, despite Neil's early racism, Lewis still manages to evoke some sympathy for him as he reaps what he has sown.

This book is an astonishing read from a very different era in our history. While the lessons from the 1940s may be somewhat distinct today, there are still some fundamental morals that remain valid.

Lewis is as bold here as he was in "Main Street" and "Elmer Gantry," with both hard-hitting prose and clever turns of phrase that expose the idiocy of some of his characters. This book may not be for everyone, but its story is truly unforgettable.
July 15,2025
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This book is set as World War II is coming to an end.

Neil Kingsblood delves into his genealogy as his father believes they might have royal blood. However, he discovers that his mother's grandfather was black.

Now, he has to make a crucial decision: whether to keep this secret or disclose that he is black, knowing the negative consequences it could have for himself, his family, and his daughter.

The book explores racial attitudes during a time when Jim Crow laws were deeply entrenched in the South and discrimination in the North was not hidden.

Sinclair Lewis wrote the book with his characteristic biting humor.

I was captivated by the vivid description of the times and the moral dilemma faced by the main character.

It makes one think about the complex issues of race and identity and how they can impact a person's life.

The story also highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers valuable insights into a dark period of American history.
July 15,2025
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I read this when I was in my early teens and not only did I love it, but I also learned a great deal from it.

Lewis is a relative on my father's side, which makes him my first cousin twice removed. As a result, all of his works were in our family library.

I grew up in a small community, and I can truly relate to his satire and humor. His writing had a profound impact on me during those formative years. It opened my eyes to different perspectives and made me think about the world around me in a new way.

The stories he told were not only entertaining but also had hidden meanings and lessons. I often found myself laughing out loud at his witty remarks and clever observations.

Even now, as I look back on those early readings, I am grateful for the influence that Lewis had on my literary taste and my understanding of the world. His works will always hold a special place in my heart and in the history of our family library.
July 15,2025
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If I've read this, then I don't remember it at all.

It seems that my memory fails me when it comes to this particular piece of information.

Maybe it's because I read it in a hurry, or perhaps my mind was preoccupied with other things at the time.

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the details have slipped my mind completely.

I try to rack my brain and recall any snippets of what I might have read, but it's all in vain.

It's as if the words passed through my eyes and out the other side without leaving a trace.

Perhaps I should go back and read it again, this time more carefully and with a focused mind.

Maybe then, the information will stick and I'll be able to remember it for future reference.

Until then, I'll just have to accept the fact that my memory has let me down in this instance.
July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed this book.

It vividly shows that there has indeed been some growth in the intelligence of bigoted Americans since the time when the book was written. However, there is still an extremely long way to go on the road to achieving true intelligence and understanding regarding people who simply have a different colored skin, hair, or religion.

If only the importance of intelligence and acceptance were taught from the very beginning, we would all be able to live in a much better world.

We need to break down the barriers of prejudice and ignorance and strive to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Each of us has a role to play in promoting understanding and respect for diversity.

By reading books like this and opening our minds, we can take small but significant steps towards a more enlightened future.
July 15,2025
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This is one of his last novels, written in 1947.

At the time it came out, it was banned by white critics as being unrealistic. However, it was praised by Ebony magazine.

The novel presents a vivid picture of racism in the north after the Second World War. It also delves into the moral struggle of a man who discovers he is 1/32 part negro, which had significant implications in those days.

I had a difficult time reading it as it was quite disturbing. The themes and the harsh reality it depicted were not easy to stomach.

Nevertheless, I am definitely glad I read it. It provided me with a deeper understanding of the historical context and the complex issues surrounding race during that era.

It serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice.

Overall, this novel is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that should not be overlooked.
July 15,2025
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Okay yea.

(I know you're going to give me flack for all these books Justin. I'm prepared.)

This book is also ridiculous. Sometimes I wonder how authors come up with these characters.

The novel is deeply psychological as it endeavors to penetrate the mind of a man whose attempt to "embrace" his "heritage" eventually leads him to exploit and ridicule the very individuals he wishes to assist. Lewis is truly a genius with this novel.

At times, we delude ourselves into thinking that we comprehend and understand the challenges others face. We end up making fools of ourselves and everyone we care about.

I mean, you simply have to read it to grasp the absolute lunacy of this man.

Moreover, the story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The complex web of emotions and motives that the characters possess adds depth and realism to the narrative.

It makes one question our own perceptions and judgments.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that is well worth the read.

July 15,2025
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A cardboard cut-out puppet show would have been more realistic, more convincing and infinitely more interesting than this.

This is nothing but a parade of soul-starved mouthpieces. They lack the authenticity and charm that a simple cardboard cut-out puppet show could bring.

In a puppet show, the puppets may be made of cardboard, but they can come alive with the skill and imagination of the puppeteer. Their movements, expressions, and voices can tell a story that captivates the audience.

On the other hand, these mouthpieces seem to be going through the motions without any real passion or purpose. They are like empty shells, spouting words that lack meaning and depth.

A cardboard cut-out puppet show would have been a refreshing change from this dull and uninspiring display. It would have added a touch of creativity and fun to the proceedings.

We need to look beyond the surface and appreciate the true value of things. Sometimes, the simplest and most humble forms of art can have a greater impact than the most elaborate and expensive productions.

So, the next time you are faced with a choice between a cardboard cut-out puppet show and a parade of soul-starved mouthpieces, choose the puppet show. You might be surprised at how much more interesting and engaging it can be.
July 15,2025
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A truly wonderful story unfolds about a man who resides in the "north". Despite his claim to be fair, it becomes evident that racism and discrimination are still deeply ingrained within him. Our protagonist, who fancies himself as an open-minded individual, constantly exhibits signs of racist thought and adheres to stereotypes.


However, everything changes when his father requests him to trace their family history. What he discovers is a complete surprise. It is a somewhat unbelievable tale of one man who had the courage to stand up for what is right and was willing to risk everything for the sake of others. This story is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making the reader question their own beliefs and prejudices.


It serves as a reminder that even in a seemingly progressive society, racism and discrimination can still rear their ugly heads. We must all strive to be more aware of our own biases and work towards creating a more inclusive and equal world for everyone.

July 15,2025
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A pointed satire of race relations in the United States, this novel holds great significance even though it is set in the years following the Second World War. It serves as a powerful commentary on the social issues and prejudices that prevailed during that time and continues to be relevant in today's society. Sinclair Lewis, a renowned author, demonstrates his remarkable skill in this book by painting a diverse and vivid range of characters. His ability to bring these characters to life is on par with his earlier classics such as Dodsworth, Babbitt, and Elmer Gantry. Through his masterful storytelling, Lewis explores the complex and often troubled nature of race relations, challenging readers to confront their own biases and assumptions. This novel is not only a work of fiction but also a thought-provoking exploration of a crucial aspect of American history and society.

July 15,2025
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Powerful, uncomfortable book.

I read several Sinclair Lewis books in high school and college - specifically Main Street, Babbitt, and It Can't Happen Here. He had a satiric eye and was not afraid of whom he "insulted." (The town of Anoka, MN - on which he based Main Street - was not fond of him for a long time.)

This book was the hardest to read because of its content. It is set at the end of WWII in a large town in north central Minnesota, a town that has a sizable black population because of a war-fueled industry. Naturally there is a lot of racism in the town. "I'm not a racist but... " A young fair-skinned, red-headed banker (happily married with one child) looks into his family background to satisfy his father, who is convinced that way back when, his family descended from an illegitimate son of Henry VIII ("which makes us royalty, boy!"). He looks into his mother's background too only to discover that he has a mixed-blood trapper in his past who was part black. Since, in many states at this time, that small percentage of "black blood" makes him black, he begins to explore what that means (much to everyone's consternation).

There were so many times I wanted to throw this book across the room but I hear statements like those made in the book about groups today (and still about blacks). It's disheartening to think that some of the same attitudes and prejudices still exist. However, reading this book also makes me realize the importance of confronting and challenging racism, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. We need to keep having these conversations and working towards a more inclusive and equal society.
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