Call number
FIC JOH
Collection
Genres
Publication
Penguin Books (1987), 192 pages
Description
Interweaving the real and the surreal, Charles Johnson spins eight extra-ordinary tales of transformations and metamorphoses. An Illinois farmer teaches a young slave everything he knows - with fatal consequences. A young boy growing to manhood as a country sorcerer's apprentice learns the difference between power and strength. From the first piece to the last, these stories capture very real human experiences in a new and starting light.
User reviews
LibraryThing member dmclane
This is a collection of short stories; as always, some appeal more than others, but in total I found it an interesting read. Some of the other reviewers claim that the author is a highly critical philosophic editor/writer while others claim he’s overblown and self-important, this I believe is
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typical, either you enjoy reading his work or you do not and wonder what the acclaim is for. The stories all have a black racial bias, and tend to the mythical or ethereal, as well as some appear dated by word choice. I found none of this to be unforgivable, just unfortunate. As earlier said, this was an enjoyable read, I’d not expected anything profound but appreciate the entertainment. Show Less
Awards
PEN/Faulkner Award (Finalist — 1987)
Pages
192
ISBN
0140098658 / 9780140098655