The Warmth of Other Suns

by Isabel Wilkerson
The Warmth of Other Suns cover
Good Books rating 4.44
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  • ID: 742
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780679763888
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2011-10-04
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 4

The Warmth of Other Suns is a beautifully written and meticulously researched account of one of the most significant yet under-told stories in American history. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles the decades-long migration of black citizens from the South to northern and western cities between 1915 and 1970. Through the lives of three individuals—Ida Mae Gladney, George Starling, and Robert Foster—Wilkerson vividly portrays the struggles, triumphs, and cultural impact of this mass exodus./n/nWilkerson's work is not just a historical narrative but a profound exploration of the human experience. She draws parallels between this internal migration and other historical movements, offering a deep understanding of how these journeys reshaped American cities and society. With stunning detail and emotional resonance, The Warmth of Other Suns captures the essence of a transformative period in American history.

Reviews
Kate Blackwood · Kate Blackwood · 2020-09-14
compelling 4.50

The book offers an intimate look inside the American South through the stories of three individuals, providing a personal verification of the historical context.

Kate Blackwood's review praises the book for offering an intimate look inside the American South through the stories of three individuals. The reviewer finds the personal narratives compelling and the writing exceptional, making it hard to put the book down despite its length. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of the Great Migration, with the personal stories serving as a verification of the historical context. The reviewer appreciates the depth and richness of the narratives, making it a highly engaging and insightful read.

Quick quotes

    This book gave me an intimate look inside the American South.

    The three stories serve as personal verification of the absurd.

    The stories are so compelling and the writing is so good that I could hardly put it down.

Storied Gifts · 2019-10-31
enlightening 4.00

The book uses storytelling to deepen our understanding of the Great Migration and its impact on individuals and society.

Storied Gifts highlights how this book uses the power of storytelling to change our understanding of the Great Migration. The reviewer appreciates how the narratives of the individuals involved bring clarity and emotion to the historical events. The book is seen as a testament to the richness of personal stories in shaping our comprehension of broader historical contexts. The reviewer finds the book both enlightening and emotionally resonant, making it a valuable read for understanding this pivotal period in American history.

Quick quotes

    Story helps shape our understanding of the world.

    The narratives bring clarity and emotion to historical events.

    The book is a testament to the richness of personal stories.

The Guardian · 2016-09-08
inspiring 4.50

This book provides a well-researched and hope-filled account of the Great Migration, focusing on three individuals. It highlights the resilience and determination of those who sought a better life.

The Guardian's review emphasizes how this book offers a deeply moving and well-researched look into the Great Migration. The focus on three individuals makes the broader historical narrative personal and relatable. The reviewer appreciates the hope and resilience depicted in the stories, making it a compelling read. The book is praised for its ability to bring history to life through the lens of personal experiences, making it both educational and emotionally engaging.

Quick quotes

    This well-researched tome focuses on three people who left the south filled with hope during different periods.

    The book is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of those who sought a better life.

    It brings history to life through the stories of individuals.

The New York Times · 2010-08-30
powerful 4.75

The book is noted for its emotional impact, with seemingly ordinary stories hitting the hardest. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make the migrant experience both accessible and emotionally compelling.

The New York Times review highlights the emotional impact of the book, noting that seemingly ordinary stories hit the hardest. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make the migrant experience both accessible and emotionally compelling. The book is seen as a powerful account of an 'unrecognized immigration' within the United States, offering a deep and moving portrayal of the Great Migration. The reviewer finds the narratives to be both riveting and remarkable, providing a superb account of this significant historical event.

Quick quotes

    Although the book contains its share of much rougher stories, it is these seemingly workaday ones that hit hardest.

    The Warmth of Other Suns is a bold, remarkable, and riveting work.

    The book makes the migrant experience both accessible and emotionally compelling.

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