The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

by James Weldon Johnson
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £13.99
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  • ID: 11551
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781442929081
  • Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
  • Published: 1955-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Autobiography of an Ex-colored Man is a seminal work that delves into the life of a biracial man navigating the racial landscape of early 1900s America. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and the struggle to define his identity in a society divided by race. Written during a time of significant racial tension, this novel offers a poignant commentary on the social and cultural dynamics of the era. The author's insightful exploration of racial passing and the psychological impact of such a choice makes this a compelling read.

Reviews
Old Paper & Cats · 2024-02-19
thought-provoking 3.75

The book explores racism in the education system and Black nightlife in New York City, offering a sociological study of the biracial experience. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

This review focuses on the book's exploration of racism in the education system and Black nightlife in New York City, highlighting its sociological significance. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the biracial experience. The book's historical context and its exploration of societal pressures make it a valuable read. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the sociological study presented, making it a compelling exploration of identity and race.

Quick quotes

    Using the narrator's experience, Johnson explores racism in the education system, Black nightlife in New York City, working in the margins at a white-dominated society.

    The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the biracial experience.

    The book's historical context and its exploration of societal pressures make it a valuable read.

The Literary Omnivore · 2012-10-17
engaging 3.50

The story is straightforward and engaging, focusing on a black man who can pass for white as he navigates life. The conclusion, involving the death of his wife and the birth of his child, is particularly poignant.

This review highlights the straightforward yet engaging narrative of a black man who can pass for white, navigating life in a society that is both accepting and prejudiced. The reviewer appreciates the simplicity of the story, which allows the themes of identity and race to shine through. The conclusion, which involves the death of the protagonist's wife and the birth of his child, is noted as particularly poignant and thought-provoking. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of the complexities of racial identity and the societal pressures faced by biracial individuals.

Quick quotes

    It's a very straight forward story about a black man who can pass for white making his way through life and concluding with the death of his wife and birth of his child.

    The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on racial identity and societal pressures.

    The conclusion is particularly poignant, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Rebecca Reid Reviews · Rebecca Reid · 2010-03-30
compelling 4.00

The book is realistic, engaging, and entertaining, with a significant place in history alongside true-life narratives. It offers a powerful lesson in history and human nature.

Rebecca Reid finds the book to be realistic, engaging, and entertaining, making it a compelling read. She appreciates its historical significance, placing it alongside true-life narratives. The reviewer highlights the powerful lessons in history and human nature that the book offers, particularly in its exploration of the biracial experience in early 20th-century America. The engaging narrative and the book's historical context make it a valuable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    It was realistic, and it was engaging and entertaining at the same time.

    Even more, it has a place in history alongside true-life narratives as a powerful lesson in history, human nature, the path of the black man in American culture, and a sociological study unparalleled.

    Johnson's work is a compelling exploration of identity and societal pressures.

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