Native Son by Richard Wright

Not only is Richard Wright’s novel Native Son a classic that has been known to appear on the A.P. Literature Exam frequently, but I also found it to be a captivating, page-turning, overall fantastic book. Although its length is a little intimidating at first, as soon as you begin reading, it is nearly impossible to stop.

The novel opens with an African-American twenty-year-old, Bigger Thomas, that has his priorities more than just a little mixed up. After committing many violent crimes, one good thing finally comes his way: he is given a job as a chauffeur for a well-off white family. On his very first day, instead of taking the daughter Mary to the university as he is told, she directs him to pick up her Communist boyfriend. They drink all night, and they make-out in the backseat of the car while Bigger drives and tries not to stare. When they finally come home late at night, Bigger has to carry her to her room because she is so drunk she cannot even stand, let alone walk. While he is setting her down in her bed, Mary’s blind mother comes in to check on her. To keep her quiet, Bigger holds a pillow over her head. This innocent act turns into one that Bigger will regret for the rest of his life, as he accidentally smothers Mary. In a state of panic, the only thing he can think to do is dispose of the body. From then on, he lives a life on the run. He runs from the law, from the truth, and from his own guilt.

If you have some time that you would like to spend reading a great book, do not waste your time searching for a book that may or may not be good. Read a book that I guarantee you is fantastic and study for the A.P. English Exam too while your heart pounds with the suspense and thrill of Native Son.

Reviewed by BHS student L. Gilbert