Why people recommend it
Black No More by George Schuyler is a sharp 1930s satirical novel that explores a fictional medical procedure allowing Black people to rapidly transform their skin color, upending American racial dynamics. The book gained traction on The Book Review podcast when Wesley Morris discussed reading the satirical text for a second time during an episode focused on connecting the dots between Reconstruction and Jim Crow. Morris appreciated the biting wit and enduring relevance of Schuyler's mid-century critique of American society. Additionally, John Williams mentioned the book on a separate episode of The Book Review during a conversation with guest Laura Lippman, noting that the satirical work from the 1930s had recently received a fresh review in the printed pages of the newspaper. Williams highlighted the central premise involving the doctor who discovers a method to quickly change a person's racial appearance, drawing attention to its provocative themes and historical context. Both commentators underscored the novel's unique place in American literature, demonstrating how its biting satire of racial politics continues to resonate with modern readers and critics examining historical texts through contemporary lenses on the podcast.
Who recommended it
- John Williams Discussed
- Wesley Morris Recommended
John Williams — 1 mention
“a book from the 1930s that parl reviewed recently in the paper called black No More by George Skyler and it's about a doctor who finds a way to make black people white very quickly”
Wesley Morris — 1 mention
“well I am reading for the second time George Schuler's black no more”