"Kingsblood Royal" by Sinclair Lewis, published in 1947, is a captivating novel that delves into themes of race and identity.

At his father's request, Neil embarks on a journey to discover if their family has royal lineage, specifically from Henry VIII. However, what he uncovers is far more shocking - he is 1/32 Negro, despite his pale complexion. This revelation shakes him to the very core.

As Neil begins to interact with the Negro population in his town, he grapples with the decision of whether to disclose his secret. Eventually, in response to his growing awareness of the insidious nature of racism, he does. This, of course, leads to him being fired from his job and his life becoming increasingly precarious.

One aspect that adds to the suspense is the question of how long his Junior League wife will stay by his side. Lewis, with the counsel of Walter White, the leader of the NAACP, crafts a novel with great characters, both men and women, black and white. While the novel may seem dated in some respects, it remains a compelling read.

It's important to note that the novel contains racial slurs, which can be uncomfortable for modern readers. Additionally, the novel incorporates elements of the events surrounding the 1925 trial of Dr. Sweet, who, while defending his home from a white mob, murdered a white bystander. Clarence Darrow defended him and the others involved, and all were acquitted in self-defense. "Arc of Justice" provides a terrific account of these events and the trial, and I would highly recommend it.

In my opinion, this is one of the best books about racism that I am acquainted with.

Surprisingly, it is centered around a white man.

However, I will refrain from including any spoilers here.

I have read this book numerous times, and each time I am truly amazed by its brilliance.

The author has managed to explore the complex and often uncomfortable topic of racism in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

The story not only sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of the white protagonist but also delves into the broader social and historical context of racism.

It forces the reader to confront their own biases and assumptions, and encourages a deeper understanding and empathy for those who have been affected by racism.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the issue of racism and its impact on society.

Is this an extremely difficult book to read?

Initially, it gave the impression of being anachronistic. There is indeed an element of that in the writing which dates back to 1947. The racism is blatant and very much present in the narrative.

As much as I would love to believe that as a nation, we have advanced beyond this, 75 years later, the truth is otherwise. Those who harbor such hatred may not employ the constant blatant language found in the book, but the tragic reality is that we are still grappling with the same bigotry.

It is truly very sad to witness how little progress we seem to have made in eradicating such deep-seated prejudices. This book serves as a stark reminder of the work that still lies ahead in achieving a more inclusive and equal society.

We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the existence of racism and must actively work towards combating it in all its forms.

I read this a while ago, but I wanted to add it here.

I completely agree with the Goodreads review. It especially highlights that this work is a neglected tour de force by the first American to win the Nobel Prize in literature.

The author creates an unforgettable portrayal of two Americas, one black and one white. This portrayal is as timely as when it was first published in 1947.

Perhaps it is only now, in our current context, that we can fully appreciate Sinclair Lewis's astonishing achievement. His work offers a profound and thought-provoking look at the social and racial divides that have persisted in America over the years.

By presenting these two distinct Americas, Lewis forces us to confront the harsh realities and inequalities that exist. His writing serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing these issues in order to build a more just and equitable society.

Overall, this neglected masterpiece is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and the exploration of social and racial themes.

This book

is truly a remarkable piece of work that elicits a wide range of emotions. It is both amusing and infuriating, creating a complex and engaging reading experience. The amusement stems from Lewis's masterful use of humorously ironic storytelling. His witty remarks and clever twists keep the reader entertained and engaged throughout the narrative. However, the book also has the power to infuriate, as it shines a light on the injustices suffered by some of the characters. In a society plagued by racism, these characters face discrimination and inequality on a daily basis. Their struggles and hardships are a harsh reminder of the dark side of human nature.

Despite the difficult subject matter, this book offers a really interesting look into the times and issues. It provides valuable insights into the historical context of racism and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. Through Lewis's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, readers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues at play. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the themes of race, justice, and human nature.

This book has been sitting on my shelves for many years.

It was written in 1947, and although it may seem a bit outdated, it still holds significance today. The story follows a young married white banker who discovers through researching his family that he is actually "black" through his mother's side.

At first, he denies this revelation, but his curiosity gets the better of him. He begins to explore the black life through an acquaintance from high school, a black dentist.

As he delves deeper, he reveals the truth to his wife, family, friends, and employer. Their responses vary, and his once-safe and comfortable life gradually starts to crumble.

Despite being a bit humdrum to read at times, this book is still worth reading. It offers a unique perspective on race and identity, and shows how one discovery can change a person's life forever.

It serves as a reminder that our pasts can have a profound impact on our presents, and that we should always be open to learning and growing, no matter what the cost.

This is Sinclair Lewis' book that mainly focuses on race and was written in the 1940s.

It can be a bit challenging to read. On one hand, at certain moments, it may come across as rather forceful in its presentation.

On the other hand, many of the characters' opinions and actions, which the reader is expected to find repulsive, are truly abhorrent.

Despite the difficulties in getting through this book, it is most definitely well worth the effort of reading.

It offers a valuable perspective on the complex issue of race during that particular era, and although it may be uncomfortable at times, it forces the reader to confront some harsh realities.

By delving into the minds and behaviors of these characters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which the story is set.

Overall, it is a significant work that should not be overlooked.

A book published in 1947 can be regarded as a forerunner to the Civil Rights movement that took place in the 1950s and 1960s.

This book likely contained ideas and concepts that planted the seeds for the significant social and political changes that were to come. It might have explored issues such as racial inequality, discrimination, and the struggle for equal rights.

Perhaps it told the stories of individuals who were fighting against the unjust system, or it presented arguments and theories about how to achieve a more just and equal society.

The ideas put forward in this book could have inspired and influenced the activists and leaders of the Civil Rights movement, providing them with a foundation and a starting point for their own work.

In conclusion, this 1947 book played an important role in paving the way for the Civil Rights movement, and its impact can still be felt today.

Sinclair Lewis's late problem-novel, Kingsblood Royal, delves into the complex issue of race in America. The story is told through the perspective of a single man and his family, providing an intimate look at the impact of race on their lives. While the novel may have the typical problems of construction, it is still a surprisingly powerful exploration of a difficult subject. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, drawing the reader in and making them think about the issues of race and prejudice.

Full review here: https://bibliomaneblog.wordpress.com/...

This is my other favorite book.

I was compelled to read Main Street by Sinclair Lewis during my high school days, yet this one is completely different.

Just picture yourself as a pale red-headed family man residing in Michigan during the 1950s. Suddenly, you discover a startling revelation in your ancestry that turns your world upside down.

It's an absolutely fabulous read. I wholeheartedly suggest it to everyone.

The story is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The characters are vividly drawn, and you can't help but become invested in their lives and struggles.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or just looking for a great story, this book is sure to satisfy.

So, go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Incredible!

Kingsblood Royal is the remarkable story of the political and social awakening of Neil Kingsblood. He is a white middle-class nobody who, quite by accident, discovers that he has black ancestry.

Sinclair Lewis never fails to amaze me with his keen perception as a critic and his outstanding abilities as a storyteller. The novel is set in Minnesota in 1944, and it vividly captures the intolerance of that era.

As I read, I couldn't help but wonder how much (or perhaps how little) the story would change if it were set in the present day. Would the attitudes and prejudices be different? Or would there still be remnants of the same intolerance?

This thought-provoking novel is highly recommended. It not only provides a fascinating look into the past but also makes us reflect on our own society today.

I did not think I would agree with Charles Johnson, who is, after all, famous.

That this book is a polemic rather than a novel until about 60 pages on into the book.

Up to that point, Lewis's rather broad satire of white racism is entertaining.

Particularly as no one is immediately hurt by it in that post-war mid-western town.

Sixty pages on, the protagonist finds out he is 1/32 Black.

And, instead of taking pride in his most estimable ancestor, goes into a complete tizzy.

In my view, his original ability to be racist is based on double think.

So I really do not see why he can't continue to use double think to not worry about the issue.

As I am not going to continue reading the book, I will not be able to tell you if I agree with Johnson in thinking it an expose of American racism.

I think myself that a novel about a white person's conversion to the communist party, USA, would have been both a better polemic and more entertaining.

One of the things I truly object to about the book is that it is set in the same town as Cass Timberlane.

Who appears as a minor character with his wife.

And while there are all sorts of ignoble minor characters in Cass Timberlane, racism is not a theme.

This seems inconsistent and a bit of a letdown.

It makes me question the overall coherence and purpose of the author's choice to set these two stories in the same location.

Perhaps there was a missed opportunity to explore the intersection of different social issues more deeply.

Or maybe the author simply wanted to create a sense of familiarity and connection between the two works.

Whatever the reason, it leaves me with a somewhat dissatisfied feeling about the book.