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Robin's Reviews > The Nickel Boys
The Nickel Boys
by
by
Robin's review
bookshelves: 2019, american, group-read, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, pulitzer-prize-winner, library
Aug 19, 2019
bookshelves: 2019, american, group-read, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, pulitzer-prize-winner, library
The Nickel Boys, a book about the horrors of a reformatory school in 1960s Southern USA, was my first experience reading Colson Whitehead. I was excited to read this literary powerhouse, author of nine novels, one of which won the Pulitzer prize in 2017.
As I dug into the book, I recognised right away that it is written very well - some might say flawlessly. In fact I wouldn't dare to critique it on that level. Its structure, pacing, etc are exemplary.
Exemplary, yet, I was left wanting. I wanted to hear the author's voice. Instead, I felt I was reading something (dare I say) generic, conventional, predictable, safe. It didn't feel original - I had an eerie feeling that I'd read a slightly different version of this before. Of course I hadn't but I was still plagued by this haunting feeling that these pages could have been written by any number of other people.
I was oddly unaffected by the characters, as well as the plot twist which I registered with a relatively low level of emotion. I'm disappointed to feel this way. The subject matter is obviously important and I did appreciate the struggle the main character had in his attempts to live out the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., to love his oppressors while suffering and waiting for victory. I understand the theme of beaten down, damaged, broken idealism. I can eat that shit up with a spoon. I wanted Colson Whitehead to use that theme to torture me, transport me, touch me, and teach me.
It's hard to read a book with a worthy subject such as this one, but feel a lack of connection. Earlier this year, I read A Woman is No Man and had a similar experience. In that case, it was mainly due to a lack of writing finesse. In The Nickel Boys, the writing was all there, but for me, a sense of daring, a signature, a vital something was missing. Something that would have told me I wasn't just reading another book about racial atrocities in the 1960s, but one that scalds as I close the last page, one that is branded with the author's unique powers.
As I dug into the book, I recognised right away that it is written very well - some might say flawlessly. In fact I wouldn't dare to critique it on that level. Its structure, pacing, etc are exemplary.
Exemplary, yet, I was left wanting. I wanted to hear the author's voice. Instead, I felt I was reading something (dare I say) generic, conventional, predictable, safe. It didn't feel original - I had an eerie feeling that I'd read a slightly different version of this before. Of course I hadn't but I was still plagued by this haunting feeling that these pages could have been written by any number of other people.
I was oddly unaffected by the characters, as well as the plot twist which I registered with a relatively low level of emotion. I'm disappointed to feel this way. The subject matter is obviously important and I did appreciate the struggle the main character had in his attempts to live out the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., to love his oppressors while suffering and waiting for victory. I understand the theme of beaten down, damaged, broken idealism. I can eat that shit up with a spoon. I wanted Colson Whitehead to use that theme to torture me, transport me, touch me, and teach me.
It's hard to read a book with a worthy subject such as this one, but feel a lack of connection. Earlier this year, I read A Woman is No Man and had a similar experience. In that case, it was mainly due to a lack of writing finesse. In The Nickel Boys, the writing was all there, but for me, a sense of daring, a signature, a vital something was missing. Something that would have told me I wasn't just reading another book about racial atrocities in the 1960s, but one that scalds as I close the last page, one that is branded with the author's unique powers.
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Reading Progress
July 28, 2019
– Shelved
August 9, 2019
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Started Reading
August 17, 2019
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10.0%
August 17, 2019
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20.0%
August 18, 2019
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30.0%
August 18, 2019
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40.0%
August 18, 2019
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50.0%
August 18, 2019
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60.0%
August 18, 2019
–
70.0%
August 18, 2019
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80.0%
August 18, 2019
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90.0%
August 18, 2019
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Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 203 (203 new)
message 1:
by
Ken
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rated it 3 stars
Aug 19, 2019 05:18AM
Salient points, esp. the part about wanting to feel more for the characters.
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Robin, would you believe me if I say I knew this was going to be an average read for you?
Robin, it's always enlightening to read your insights. I've not yet read Whitehead and for some reason I'm just not sure if I'm all that interested. This is on my list, but when you mention that lack of connection, I still feel hesitant to take the plunge. An excellent review!
Ken wrote: "Salient points, esp. the part about wanting to feel more for the characters."Thank you, Ken! I appreciate the comment, and enjoyed reading your review too.
Dean the Bibliophage wrote: "Fantastic review!"Thanks, Dean. It's not the ecstatic review I hoped to write, but, that's how it goes sometimes.
I enjoyed reading your review. After Whitehead's The Underground Railroad, I already expected to find in this book "something predictable" and, of course, "a done to death theme/topic". That is maybe why I liked The Nickel Boys more than if never read Whitehead previously. Slavery is also a topic which I read a lot about and in The Underground Railroad I also felt that I was reading something I have read many times before - Cora was a caricature character for me. I enjoyed The Nickel Boys more because it was shorter, though as "predictable and safe" as The Underground Railroad.I actually read something very similar to The Nickel Boys - Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra. I also watched the movie - and though I watched it many years ago - it gives me nightmares even today.
Mmmh, your description reminds me of those perfect, godlike, flawless beauties we do admire but feel totally unattracted to. They make us hunger for a peculiar flaw, crave an expression line on their polished surface... and leave us starving.
Pedro wrote: "Robin, would you believe me if I say I knew this was going to be an average read for you?"Pedro, how do you know me so well??
Candi wrote: "Robin, it's always enlightening to read your insights. I've not yet read Whitehead and for some reason I'm just not sure if I'm all that interested. This is on my list, but when you mention that lack of connection, I still feel hesitant to take the plunge. An excellent review!"You are too sweet. Thank you, Candi. I hear his earlier work (prior to Pulitzer) is edgier and more interesting. If I decide to read him again, I think I'll go far into his backlist.
Robin, I’ll make Candi’s words my words about Whitehead. Actually even typing his name makes me cringe and maybe that’s why I was 99% sure you’d not love this book as so many other readers did. But yes, I think I know you a little bit as far as someone can know someone in a virtual basis. Tell me what you read and I’ll tell you who you are. I really liked you and when I like someone I really make sure people know my feelings. Keep your amazing reviews coming, but bare in mind that soon I’ll be guessing your ratings beforehand (😅😘)
I totally get what you are saying, Robin. I call it the pow factor. I just finished a book that i thought was well written, with a very interesting subject, but it totally lacked the something that makes a book outstanding. I wasn’t sure about this one-now I am! Terrific review!
Awesome review, Robin (we are namesakes by the way). I can understand your opinion on the book as well as to the ending. While reading I thought this might be a cut for a lot of readers...personally I liked the ending but had this feeling of a different me being uninterested.
Diana wrote: "I enjoyed reading your review. After Whitehead's The Underground Railroad, I already expected to find in this book "something predictable" and, of course, "a done to death theme/topic". That is maybe why I liked The Nickel Boys more than if never read Whitehead previously."Thanks for the great comment, Diana. Sounds like you knew, more or less, what to expect. I'm sad to hear that Underground Railroad suffers from the same unoriginal style as this one, though!
I'll have to keep my eyes out for Sleepers. Sounds really good.
Excellent review, Robin. It's annoying when one comes across a book that doesn't affect one as much as it should. I haven't read Whitehead yet, I'm hoping to read this.
I’m currently reading this and will probably DNF it. I’m not familiar with the authors work. I have yet to read Underground Railroad. Going into The Nickel Boys I expected more given all the accolades he’s received, but I just can’t get into this. It’s quite boring. You’re right about wanting more for the characters, it feels like something major is missing.
Seems like the book lacked a USP. Another intelligent, well-written review, Robin!
Robin wrote: "In The Nickel Boys, the writing was all there, but for me, a sense of daring, a signature, a vital something was missing. Something that would have told me I wasn't just reading another book about racial atrocities in the 1960s, but one that scalds as I close the last page, one that is branded with the author's unique powers."It says a lot about your writing skill that I learn something valuable in a short review on a book that's not my material at all. It's hard to quantify or even name what you're talking about here, but I get it. Seems like what was missing here is a point of view and what you got had more in common with a history text. Terrific write-up, Robin.
Fede wrote: "Mmmh, your description reminds me of those perfect, godlike, flawless beauties we do admire but feel totally unattracted to. They make us hunger for a peculiar flaw, crave an expression line on their polished surface... and leave us starving."A perfect analogy, Fede. Thank you! Some personality, an angle with a zing, a dose of je ne sais quoi was much needed here.
Pedro wrote: "Robin, I’ll make Candi’s words my words about Whitehead. Actually even typing his name makes me cringe and maybe that’s why I was 99% sure you’d not love this book as so many other readers did. But yes, I think I know you a little bit as far as someone can know someone in a virtual basis. Tell me what you read and I’ll tell you who you are. I really liked you and when I like someone I really make sure people know my feelings. Keep your amazing reviews coming, but bare in mind that soon I’ll be guessing your ratings beforehand (😅😘)."Pedro, I love this comment, especially "Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are." YES. You are my kind of reader, and friend. Sooooo happy to know you. And I love that you can predict my ratings. I'm gonna have to switch it up on you, somehow! Hmmm....
I'm not quite finished with this one yet, but it's feeling much the same to me.
Antoinette wrote: "I totally get what you are saying, Robin. I call it the pow factor. I just finished a book that i thought was well written, with a very interesting subject, but it totally lacked the something that makes a book outstanding. I wasn’t sure about this one-now I am! Terrific review!"Oh, thank you, Antoinette! That's a good way to put it - "the pow factor". There definitely wasn't much POW there for me. It didn't feel particularly inspired, despite a topic that has tremendous potential to move readers.
DrWarthrop wrote: "Awesome review, Robin (we are namesakes by the way). I can understand your opinion on the book as well as to the ending. While reading I thought this might be a cut for a lot of readers...personally I liked the ending but had this feeling of a different me being uninterested."Hey, great to meet another Robin! Thanks for commenting. I like your idea of a "different you" having a different reaction. I'm sure that could be the case. I have a friend who I really admire who takes the time to re-read books she previously didn't care for, and often she can see them in a different, more appreciative way.
Bianca wrote: "Excellent review, Robin. It's annoying when one comes across a book that doesn't affect one as much as it should. I haven't read Whitehead yet, I'm hoping to read this."Thank you, Bianca! It's a solid enough book, and you may like it a lot more than I did - plenty of other people did. I just found myself at the end saying ... "and??"
Mind of Monet wrote: "I’m currently reading this and will probably DNF it. I’m not familiar with the authors work. I have yet to read Underground Railroad. Going into The Nickel Boys I expected more given all the accolades he’s received, but I just can’t get into this. It’s quite boring. You’re right about wanting more for the characters, it feels like something major is missing."I know what you mean about something missing. Good for you for putting it down! I always admire that. By the way, I see you're reading James Baldwin. Now that's a writer who won't let you down. Hope you enjoy!
Kevin wrote: "Seems like the book lacked a USP. Another intelligent, well-written review, Robin!"I had to look that up. Thank you, Kevin, for the very kind compliment! Yup, there was something entirely too safe going on here for my taste, despite it being an important story based on a real life institution.
Joe wrote: "It says a lot about your writing skill that I learn something valuable in a short review on a book that's not my material at all. It's hard to quantify or even name what you're talking about here, but I get it. Seems like what was missing here is a point of view and what you got had more in common with a history text. Terrific write-up, Robin."Good point, Joe. When you mention history text, that rings true in a way. Another friend who read this book mentioned that maybe this story would have been more suited to non fiction. Perhaps that is true. Thanks so much for commenting, especially when the book isn't one that particularly interests you. I appreciate it!
Katie wrote: "Nice critique, Robin."Thank you Katie!
Carmel wrote: "I'm not quite finished with this one yet, but it's feeling much the same to me."Thanks for commenting, Carmel. I'm glad to know great readers like yourself are experiencing a similar detachment in his style. Looking forward to deeper discussion with you in September...
Great review! I had a similar lack of connection with UR. Maybe such disaffection is a deliberate strategy on the part of the writer.
Gerhard wrote: "Great review! I had a similar lack of connection with UR. Maybe such disaffection is a deliberate strategy on the part of the writer."Thanks, Gerhard! How interesting this was the case for you too, with Underground Railroad. If it is a strategy, I wonder what he's trying to accomplish by it? I guess I can't accuse him of being unsuccessful with it... but it doesn't entice me to read him again any time soon.
I've been tempted to add this, if only for the Florida setting (not that it makes the state of FL look good in any way!), but I've been hesitant to commit. After your review, I think the ambivalence continues, though I am determined to read Colson Whitehead at some point.
Julie wrote: "I've been tempted to add this, if only for the Florida setting (not that it makes the state of FL look good in any way!), but I've been hesitant to commit. After your review, I think the ambivalence continues, though I am determined to read Colson Whitehead at some point."If it helps, I've heard his work prior to Underground Railroad is more edgy and interesting. That's where I'll likely go if I decide to read him again.
Thank you for this review. It mirrors my thoughts and feelings. I so very much wanted to be engaged with this story and the characters but the exception of the little twist at the end it didn't happen for me.
Kathy wrote: "Thank you for this review. It mirrors my thoughts and feelings. I so very much wanted to be engaged with this story and the characters but the exception of the little twist at the end it didn't happen for me."Hi Kathy. Thanks so much for this validating comment! Good to know I'm not alone in my reaction.
Robin wrote: "...I like your idea of a "different you" having a different reaction. I'm sure that could be the case. I have a friend who I really admire who takes the time to re-read books she previously didn't care for, and often she can see them in a different, more appreciative way."That's a really smart thing to investigate your own reading mentality. I should consider this, but it also takes a lot of time, espacially for books I disliked before.
DrWarthrop wrote: "That's a really smart thing to investigate your own reading mentality. I should consider this, but it also takes a lot of time, espacially for books I disliked before."I agree. I haven't been able to do this myself, but I really admire anyone who does. So many books, so little time!
Enjoyed your review - you put into words what I wasn't sure I'd be able to, a lack of connection to the heart of the story. But as you said, his writing is flawless. I think it's just his writing style - I tried to start Zone One several different times, and could never even get to the end of the first chapter.
Rosa wrote: "Enjoyed your review - you put into words what I wasn't sure I'd be able to, a lack of connection to the heart of the story. But as you said, his writing is flawless. I think it's just his writing style - I tried to start Zone One several different times, and could never even get to the end of the first chapter."Thanks so much Rosa. I do like how Whitehead maintains an emotional distance in his writing (one doesn't get the sense of being manipulated) but I wanted something less straightforward, if that makes sense. More creativity in the execution.
Yes - nothing gets me more riled up than feeling manipulated. However, I actually found some of his touches creative in a quiet way - the unexplained time jumps, the vast assemblage of characters who weave in and out of the narrative without much intro/explanation (I was very thankful that I was reading on a kindle & had the X-ray feature), the "twist" and the haunting last sentence (again, thank you X-Ray!) I deeply appreciate that I can work out a poignant rationale for each of his choices. But yes, my heart was never in it - only 215 pages, and I struggled to finish. In a way, his writing reminds me of Marlon James; both of them write from POC perspectives, neither of them coddles even a little bit - the reader has to come to them. And for me, James is worth the work, but Whitehead, my jury is still out.
Rosa wrote: "Yes - nothing gets me more riled up than feeling manipulated. However, I actually found some of his touches creative in a quiet way - the unexplained time jumps, the vast assemblage of characters who weave in and out of the narrative without much intro/explanation (I was very thankful that I was reading on a kindle & had the X-ray feature), the "twist" and the haunting last sentence (again, thank you X-Ray!) I deeply appreciate that I can work out a poignant rationale for each of his choices. But yes, my heart was never in it - only 215 pages, and I struggled to finish. In a way, his writing reminds me of Marlon James; both of them write from POC perspectives, neither of them coddles even a little bit - the reader has to come to them. And for me, James is worth the work, but Whitehead, my jury is still out."Rosa, thank you for pointing out Whitehead's understated touches. It's always good for me to re-examine my opinion through the eyes of others. I like how you say neither James or Whitehead "coddles" the reader. I love that, I appreciate him more for it.
By the way, I have no idea what the X-ray feature is (I don't read on a kindle - if I read e-books they are just on my i-Phone using the kindle app), but it sounds fascinating!
I was worried about overexplaining, so erred on the side of appearing presumptuous ("doesn't Everyone own a Kindle?") Perhaps we can consider this my Marlon James/Colson Whitehead attempt at literary opacity, ha!X-ray is a feature on some? all? Kindles where you can "x-ray" a specific page (or the entire book) to bring up a list of the proper names on the page/book; by clicking on one of the names on the list, X-ray shows you each sentence/page in the entire work where that name pops up. I absolutely would NOT have survived James's _Brief History of Seven Killings_ without X-ray. Embarrassingly, I had my 1st gen Kindle Fire for years before even realizing I had that feature; I kept seeing other GR/Amazon readers voicing appreciation for their X-Ray in different reviews and shrugging :)
That is such a cool feature and I absolutely understand how this helped immensely in your reading of James' Brief History. I listened to the audiobook, and even with an outstanding narrator, it was a major challenge to keep track of the motherload of characters (some of which felt interchangeable).I know it also would have helped keeping track of all the cads in Updike's Couples. Ten couples and all their kids... oy, my eyes were crossing by page 300.
Maybe one day I'll get a Kindle and take advantage of that awesome feature!!
Nc23_11 wrote: "Exactly!"There's something that I innately appreciate about maintaining emotional distance, but in this case I really needed more. Sounds like you're having the same experience!
Can I copy your review when I'm done with this book? I'm half way through and I'm underwhelmed.
Bianca wrote: "Can I copy your review when I'm done with this book? I'm half way through and I'm underwhelmed."I feel in good company when we see things the same way, Bianca. I'm going to have a look at your review now.
In all the ways I was completely swept away with his writing and story in The Underground Railroad and felt it deserved all the awards, the lack of writing finesse is a good way to put my feelings. These are nuanced characters with a sweeping story and felt they deserved better writing. I almost stopped several times....glad I stuck with it and glad I’m not alone. I want to read more by him, though. It does make me want to read more by him. I did really really like the ending.
Maggie wrote: "In all the ways I was completely swept away with his writing and story in The Underground Railroad and felt it deserved all the awards, the lack of writing finesse is a good way to put my feelings. These are nuanced characters with a sweeping story and felt they deserved better writing. I almost stopped several times....glad I stuck with it and glad I’m not alone. I want to read more by him, though. It does make me want to read more by him. I did really really like the ending."Hi there Maggie. Thanks so much for your comment and sharing your experience! I also want to read more of his work, but think I'll go further back into his oeuvre; I've heard his earlier works are more "out of the box".
