Like all of Sinclair Lewis' books, this one is right on target.

In this particular work, he delves deep into the idiocy of racism and skillfully exposes it within the context of post-WWII Minnesota.

The narrative at times makes for difficult reading due to the blatant bigotry and sheer stupidity of the racists. Their unwavering denial of their own prejudices only serves to heighten the sense of discomfort and frustration for the reader.

Lewis' portrayal of this social issue is both poignant and powerful, forcing us to confront the ugly reality of racism and its lingering effects.

His vivid descriptions and well-developed characters bring the story to life, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

Overall, this book is a testament to Lewis' talent as a writer and his ability to shine a light on the darker aspects of society.

I will probably not remember this book years down the road.

However, this was also the first time I heard about the one drop rule.

The one drop rule stipulates that one drop of anything other than white blood would declare you not white.

It is an interesting concept that reveals the deeply ingrained racial prejudices and hierarchies that have existed in society.

It is truly shocking to see the hate that emerges in the characters once the main character realizes he is a distant relation to an African American.

This hate is a manifestation of the fear and ignorance that often accompany discussions of race.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of education and awareness in combating racism and promoting equality.

Although I may forget the details of the book, the impact of the one drop rule and the lessons it teaches will stay with me.

Well, this book was published in 1947 by a well-known and respected author.

I can clearly understand why it initially caused a furor and then quickly plummeted into obscurity.

I envision that most Americans of that era (and perhaps even now) can identify aspects of themselves within the pages of this book, and they likely won't be pleased with what they see!

It was truly way ahead of its time. However, it really shouldn't have been in such a position.

Even though the theme is rather heavy, Lewis writes with a light touch and incorporates humor.

I adored Neil's search for his true self. At first, it was just a superficial exploration, but by the end, it had transformed into a very deep and meaningful one.

I also loved the fact that the ancestor Neil discovered, who initiated this deeper journey, was a man of strength, adventure, love, and steadiness.

Anyone would be delighted to have such a person in their gene pool... if only he hadn't been Black... LOL.

This added an interesting layer of complexity to the story and made it all the more thought-provoking.

Overall, despite its initial controversial reception, this book has many redeeming qualities that make it worth reading and reflecting upon.

In my mind, Kingsblood is a truly seminal book.

It vividly paints a picture of racial discord that is both extremely painful and highly enlightening.

The author, Sinclair Lewis, masterfully uses caricature as a literary device to lighten the distress caused by the heavy subject matter.

This approach allows the readers to better cope with the harsh reality presented in the story.

As a result, my initial anger towards the racial issues described in the book was diffused to some extent.

However, it is important to note that the use of caricature does not undermine the seriousness of the underlying problems.

Instead, it serves as a means to make the message more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

Kingsblood remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.

Most, it is something truly new. I didn't know until now that in America in the forties, a person was considered a full-fledged Negro if just one (any old) ancestor had dark skin. So when our red-haired, snow-white-skinned hero discovers this little detail, which seems rather comical and nonsensical when read with a modern mind, as he questions his own identity and at the same time thinks of himself as a dirty nigger.

As the events unfold and the situation comes to light for others as well, the dear reader can also see that this is no joke. All kinds of people, both whites and blacks, are drawn in, and the author holds a mercilessly honest mirror up to this ignorant and showy society... Racism in all its forms. It's no wonder that Sinclair Lewis's contemporaries hated him.

Neil's character development makes the story amazingly positive, as the naive and uninformed boy almost turns into a racial warrior. Otherwise, the whole thing is terribly sad and infuriating. The worst part of it is that today, racial discrimination still exists in the same way, just with fewer slurs, squeezed into socially acceptable forms of courtesy; it lurks in every single sentence that sounds like: I have no prejudices against blacks*, but... If there really are no prejudices, then why the but...?

I highly recommend it, it's worth reading.

*against gypsies, Jews, Chinese, Latinos, etc., can be freely substituted.

As unnerving and uncomfortable as this book made me feel, and even sometimes I was totally exasperated, I still enjoyed every single minute of it!

Kingsblood Royal is a superb satire. Even though it was published way back in 1947, it remains incredibly relevant today. It has the power to make us think deeply about various aspects of society and human nature.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, filled with unexpected twists and turns. It challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths.

If you have the courage to face the uncomfortable and the willingness to explore the depths of satire, then I highly recommend that you read Kingsblood Royal. You won't be disappointed!

The over-riding thought that crossed my mind as I delved into this astonishing book was that no modern publisher would have the courage to even approach it within ten miles. Several years after Lewis had reached the zenith of his career, he unleashed this brutally honest satire on the state of race relations in post-WWII America. Neil Kingsblood, a longtime resident of Grand Republic, MN, had led a life similar to that of all his white suburban neighbors. His prejudice towards Grand Republic's (segregated) black community was one of indifference and ignorance rather than outright hostility. However, when he discovers that he is descended from a black French-Canadian fur trapper on his mother's side, an internal turmoil ensues. Should he disclose his lineage and be subject to the "1% laws" then in effect, or should he remain silent for the sake of his family (and his career)? Ultimately, he can't keep the secret as he is desperate to understand what it means to be a black American in the 1940s. The tumult that follows is both maddening and heartbreaking. My one criticism of the book, when compared to Lewis' other brilliant novels, is the absence of the author's usual sly and subtle approach to satire. He attacks the everyday racism that was part of the lives of these white northerners with a sledgehammer, making much of the dialogue a difficult read through modern sensibilities. But there is hope, and a kind of redemption, in the character of Neil Kingsblood that readers in our time may very well find enlightening.

I vividly remember this incident from my high school days. It was a moment that truly opened my eyes and made me realize a fundamental truth about human nature - that we are all people in desperate need of meaningful relationships.

However, I must issue a warning. This memory contains the use of a highly offensive and derogatory term, the N-word. Its presence serves as a reminder of the deep-seated prejudices and inequalities that still exist in our society.

Despite the ugliness of that word, the lesson I learned from that experience has stayed with me. It has made me more aware of the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background.

I believe that by sharing this memory, we can start a conversation about the power of language and the need to eradicate such offensive terms from our vocabulary. Only then can we hope to build a more inclusive and harmonious world, where everyone feels valued and accepted.

A man embarks on a journey to search for his roots, filled with anticipation and hope. He dreams that his heritage might be European-royal, something grand and prestigious. However, to his great surprise, he discovers that his true heritage is African-American.

This revelation immediately brings a host of troubles. It impacts him deeply, as he grapples with the newfound identity that is so different from what he had imagined. His wife also faces difficulties, perhaps in dealing with the potential changes in their social standing and the reactions of others.

And then there is their little girl, too young to understand the concept of racism. But she will inevitably be affected by the situation, growing up in a world where her family's identity might be met with prejudice and discrimination. The man's search for his roots has led to a complex and challenging situation that will surely test the strength and unity of their family.

I've never read any Sinclair Lewis before, and this book convinced me that the man is an artistic genius.

The book is set in a city in Minnesota at the end of the second world war. There, a thirty-something white banker is mustered out early due to a leg wound received in Europe. He returns to his job at the bank, his lovely wife and little girl. However, his friends are all still away at the front. So, his father suggests that to fill his spare time, he do some genealogical research into how the family came to have the surname 'Kingsblood'. There are rumors of royal descent, and Dad thinks Junior might uncover some evidence if he traces the line.

Neil takes Dad up on it, out of a sense of duty more than anything else. He discovers nothing of interest at first. Then, he decides to take a peek at Mom's line, where he uncovers a Black ancestor. This is during the old days of strict segregation based on the one-drop rule: one 'drop' of 'negro blood' means you're a negro. So, this sets up a conflict for Neil. He begins to explore the colored community in his city, mostly out of curiosity. But soon, he discovers that he likes the people he's meeting.

The book goes on from there, but I have to tell you, this book was like poetry, polemic, a compendium of every angle (or nearly every angle) to racism you could ever hope to encounter between the two covers of one book! I absolutely loved it. Of course, I grew up in an environment where this kind of racism - where even people who looked completely white were supposed to be 'colored' - was a day-to-day reality, and a completely crazy-making reality, I might add. So, for me, to see it all in print as told by an artist of Mr. Sinclair's caliber was insightful and healing. I can't recommend this book too highly!

This is truly a remarkable piece of writing that is not only a good read but also especially timely. In fact, it has been "timely" throughout all the time.

When I initially picked it up, I had no expectations whatsoever that it would be about this particular subject. However, as I delved into it, I embarked on an incredible journey where nothing was held back.

The author fearlessly explores the topic, presenting a wealth of information and insights that are both thought-provoking and engaging.

It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in this subject or simply enjoys a well-written and captivating story. So, don't hesitate. Grab a copy and prepare to be amazed.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

In this highly entertaining book, Sinclair Lewis takes on the complex topic of race relations.

Published in 1947, Lewis was truly ahead of his time. It's rather puzzling as to why I didn't have a greater enjoyment of this book.

I recognize its significance for the era in which it was written and its continued relevance today. However, for some inexplicable reason, it simply didn't have the allure to keep me eagerly turning the pages.

From page 200 onwards, my only desire was for it to come to an end.

Perhaps it was the way the story was presented or the pacing that didn't quite resonate with me.

Nonetheless, it remains an important work that offers valuable insights into a crucial aspect of society.

Despite my personal lack of complete engagement, I can still appreciate the efforts of Sinclair Lewis in addressing such a sensitive and timely issue.

Maybe upon a second reading, I will discover the elements that I initially missed and gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment of this book.