A Gritty and Compelling Look at Urban Life: A Review of ‘The Nickel Boys’ by Colson Whitehead

of the Novel

Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ is a powerful and unforgettable look at the urban experience. It is a story of two boys, Elwood and Turner, whose lives are inextricably linked to a notorious reform school in Florida. Whitehead paints a vivid portrait of urban life in the 1960s, exploring themes of racism, power structures, education, and economic inequality.

Overview of Urban Life in the Novel

The novel is set in the fictional town of Nickel, Florida. It is a place of poverty and despair, where racial tensions and economic inequality have a devastating effect on the lives of Elwood and Turner. The boys are forced to confront the harsh realities of life in Nickel, and the struggles they face are a reflection of the struggles faced by people living in urban areas around the world.

Summary of the Novel

The novel follows the story of Elwood and Turner, two boys who are sent to the Nickel Academy, a reform school for troubled youth. They are subjected to abuse and neglect at the school, and Elwood’s determination to fight for justice leads to a chain of events that will ultimately reveal the truth about Nickel Academy.

Themes of the Novel

Whitehead explores a range of themes in ‘The Nickel Boys’. These include racism, power structures, education, economic inequality, religious beliefs, and social change. Through the stories of Elwood and Turner, Whitehead shows how these themes intersect and shape the lives of those living in urban areas.

Review

Setting

Whitehead’s depiction of Nickel, Florida is vivid and detailed. He paints a picture of a town that is both gritty and compelling, and his descriptions of the characters, places, and events in Nickel create a vivid and realistic setting.

Characters

The characters in ‘The Nickel Boys’ are complex and compelling. Elwood and Turner are two very different boys, but both of their stories are intertwined with the struggles of life in Nickel. The other characters in the novel are also well-developed and give the story an added depth.

Plot

The plot of ‘The Nickel Boys’ is tightly woven and compelling. Whitehead takes the reader on an emotional journey as Elwood and Turner fight to survive the abuses of the Nickel Academy and uncover the truth about the school.

Writing

Whitehead’s writing is both lyrical and powerful. His use of language brings the characters and setting of Nickel to life, and his character development is masterful.

Emotion

The Nickel Boys is an emotionally powerful novel. Whitehead takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster as Elwood and Turner battle against the injustices of the Nickel Academy. The novel is often heartbreaking, but it also has moments of joy and hope.

Social and Political Significance

Racism

Racism is a major theme of ‘The Nickel Boys’. Whitehead explores the reality of racism in the 1960s and how it affects the lives of Elwood and Turner. He also shows how racism is intertwined with other power structures, such as education and economic inequality.

Power Structures

Whitehead examines the power structures that exist in urban areas and how they can be used to oppress and oppress. He also shows how these structures can be used to create change and empower those who are oppressed.

Education

Whitehead examines the impact of education on the lives of Elwood and Turner. He shows how access to education can be a powerful tool in the fight against oppression and inequality.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality is a major theme in ‘The Nickel Boys’. Whitehead explores the ways in which economic inequality can be used to oppress and how it affects the lives of Elwood and Turner.

Religious Beliefs

Whitehead examines the role of religion in urban life, and how it can be used to both oppress and empower those living in poverty. He also shows how religious beliefs can be used to create change and provide hope.

Social Change

Whitehead explores the idea of social change and how it can be used to create a better future for those living in poverty. He shows how Elwood and Turner are able to use their experiences to create change and fight for justice.

Conclusion

Reflections on Urban Life

Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ is a powerful and compelling look at urban life. The novel gives a vivid and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by people living in urban areas, and it shows how racism and other power structures can be used to oppress and marginalize.

Evaluation of ‘The Nickel Boys’

Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ is an emotionally powerful and thought-provoking novel. The characters are well-developed and the writing is beautiful, and the story offers a unique and compelling look at urban life.

Suggestions for Further Reading

For readers looking for further exploration of urban life, Whitehead’s ‘The Underground Railroad’ is a powerful and gripping look at life in the antebellum South. Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved’ is another excellent exploration of urban life, and it offers an insightful look at the struggles of African-Americans in the early 20th century.

About the Author

Biography

Colson Whitehead is an award-winning novelist and essayist. He is the author of six novels, including ‘The Underground Railroad’, ‘Zone One’, and ‘The Nickel Boys’. He has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, among other accolades.

Previous Books

Whitehead’s previous novels include ‘The Intuitionist’, ‘John Henry Days’, ‘The Colossus of New York’, ‘Sag Harbor’, and ‘Zone One’. His novel ‘The Underground Railroad’ won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2016 National Book Award for Fiction.

Awards and Acclaim

Whitehead has been awarded numerous awards for his writing, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Carnegie Medal for Fiction, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. His works have also been widely praised by critics, and he is one of the most acclaimed writers of his generation.

Closing Thoughts

Reflection on Themes

Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ is a powerful and thought-provoking look at urban life. Its exploration of racism, power structures, education, economic inequality, and religious beliefs is both timely and important.

Final Evaluation

Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ is an excellent and powerful novel. His characters are well-developed and the writing is beautiful, and the story provides a unique and compelling look at urban life.

Overall Impact of the Novel

Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of urban life. It is a timely and important novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished it.

References

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/programs/anisfield-wolf-book-awards/

Colson Whitehead. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/711/colson-whitehead

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/312559/the-underground-railroad-by-colson-whitehead/