Turner was reulctant to share Elwood's written account of what really happened in the school, but ultimately did so. Why did Turner/Elwood refuse to be photographed promoting his business in front of his new offices on 125th Street? Discuss when and how the theme is explored. Discuss how and when the narrative voice changes.Īppearance vs reality is a theme that dominates the story. Revisit the different sections of the story. How does this manifest itself in the way that she raises Elwood? The injustices Elwood's grandmother has faced throughout her life means that, whilst she acts very bravely, she actually lives in constant fear. As in The Underground Railroad Whitehead shows it is clearly not his purpose to spare the reader's feelings.ĭid you anticipate the twist at the end of the book? The final chapters are stunning demonstrating tremendous story writing skill as the heart wrenching conclusion to events is revealed.

It was only when I had read to the very end that I realised what an absolute tour de force it is both in structure and style. Although the book is great, it wasn't I felt ground breaking, stylistically. When reading the text Preston's comment initially surprised me. On the book jacket of The Nickel Boys Alex Preston, of the Observer states that The Nickel Boys 'opens up thrilling new vistas for the form of the novel itself.' I began the review by suggesting that the book follows a traditional narrative structure. During a spell in solitary confinement he struggles over King's equation 'Be assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer.' It is King's beliefs and values that underpin the novel. Once there Elwood suffers untold and unimaginable horrors, but is determined to not only escape the miseries he and the other boys endure daily, but to continue to hold close the ideals and beliefs of Martin Luther King.

Although abandoned by his parents, he is loved by his grandmother, and, inspired by the speeches of Martin Luther King, is determined to improve his own life circumstances.Īs Elwood leaves home for a college education he, through no fault of his own, finds himself wrongfully sent to a reform school. The Nickel Boys traces the story of young Elwood through his childhood into his teens, growing up in Talahassee.

My husband reads more non-fiction than fiction so is very choosy about the fiction that he invests in.

The largely linear narrative of The Nickel Boys, at least for the first two sections of the story with a definite progression of events and wonderful characterisation of the protagonist, Elwood Corey, meant that I didn't hesitate to recommend The Nickel Boys to him. My husband enjoys fiction with well-developed characters and a defined 'plot' line.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead