Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion

February 1st we'll start James Wedon Johnson's The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. This is one of those classics that's been available to us free through various formats including a PDF that I've attached. No heading out to the library, the local bookstore (unless you prefer to) or anywhere else. Hope you can join us because this book is a classic for a reason and well worth your time!

http://www.classicly.com/download-the...

There appears to be various editions of The Autobiography of an ex-Colored Man with some including a foreword and/or afterword and other versions as well. The basic copy I own has none of these inclusions and is in fact the original published copy from 1912. So, if there's anyone out there with a different or updated copy with these additions and would like to share the information, we would much oblige.

Looking over Mr. Johnson's biography he would certainly be deemed the ultimate slacker or underachiever (sarcasm). Just take a glance at this:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James...

Discussion schedule:

Feb 4-9 Preface thru Chapter 3
Feb 10-14 Chapter 4 - 6
Feb 15-20 Chapter 7 - 9
Feb 21 starting with Chapter 10 Entire book open for discussion

It is also available for Kindle, and in epub on the Project Gutenberg site.

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11012

Columbus wrote: "Looking over Mr. Johnson's biography he would certainly be deemed the ultimate slacker or underachiever (sarcasm)."

A true Renaissance Man.

Yes indeed, Sarah. Ex-Colored Man also was the first African-American novel written entirely in the first person. He also had a cigar named after him. Not bad.

Preface thru chapter 3 begins today

Great. I am enjoying this one. A lot happens in the first several chapters. It should be interesting to discuss.

@ Rebecca I am thoroughly enjoying this one as well. It felt somewhat wrong to put it down but I am trying not to get to far ahead of the discussion board.

I'll jump in. Maybe because the author first published this book anonymously, he has anonymous characters. Nobody, not even the one telling his story, has a name. There are a few of his classmates who have nicknames, but otherwise we don't even know the teacher's name, the father's name, the other musicians' names. All the same we can still identify the nameless people.

At first I was scrolling back to see if I missed something. Then I got comfortable with it.

That's intringing Sarah. Do we know why he published annonomously? I wonder if the sense of ambiguity throughout isn't in line with the struggle with identity. So many seem to not know where they were born at times. In this case who there father was? I get such a sense of this young boys search for answers and trying to finding his place.

Was anyone else surprised by his reaction to the piano not being a grand? That was a big woah for me.

I am feeling the same Michelle. Hard to put down. Waiting to see what happens next. Will his father be a disapointment for him?

Rebecca, I found this bit of information about the book:

The work is a novel, but the author hoped that by remaining anonymous he could persuade readers that it was an actual autobiography.

Published in 1912 he didn't reveal himself as the actual author until 15 years later in 1927. Many thought the reason he remained anonymous was to increase book sales. African American books were not selling well during that period.

Rebecca wrote: "That's intringing Sarah. Do we know why he published annonomously? "

According to wikipedia:
Johnson originally published The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man anonymously in 1912 by the small New York publisher Sherman, French, and Company. He decided to publish it anonymously because he was uncertain how the potentially controversial book would affect his diplomatic career. He wrote openly about issues of race and discrimination that were not common then in literature.

I believe a lot of readers took it to be an actual true-to-life "autobiography" when it was first published, and it's possible that Johnson wanted people to think so. There is such a strong tradition of autobiographical writing in 19th century African American literature, vs. almost no novels written in that period by African Americans, and this novel feels like it tapped into that deeply rooted tradition by being called an "Autobiography" in the title. Doesn't it read like a real person's life to you, too? To me that is one of the most fantastic things about it, that this isn't a memoir, but rather, is fully imagined.

poingu wrote: "I believe a lot of readers took it to be an actual true-to-life "autobiography" when it was first published, and it's possible that Johnson wanted people to think so. There is such a strong traditi..."

Did you read it recently? I think I read it right after reading Nella Larsen and some other books. I loved this book and considered reading it again for this discussion but I have so many others due back at the library soon. I'm also surprised I gave this book only four stars but then I always question my ratings after the fact.

Columbus wrote: "poingu wrote: "I believe a lot of readers took it to be an actual true-to-life "autobiography" when it was first published, and it's possible that Johnson wanted people to think so. There is such a..."

Columbus, I read it last summer. I own a copy so I can revisit and I want to for this discussion. It hit me as feeling autobiographical and I think this must have been purposeful on Johnson's part, to connect it with the African American traditions of the previous century. It has echoes of elevated tone and self-perception that remind me more of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass than of a novel.

poingu wrote: "Columbus wrote: "poingu wrote: "I believe a lot of readers took it to be an actual true-to-life "autobiography" when it was first published, and it's possible that Johnson wanted people to think so..."

It seems like many others who've read it felt the same way, "as feeling autobiographical." I know I felt that way as well. I thought I read someplace where they questioned it also during the time the book was published. Hmm, I guess we'll have to take him for his word and not assume Mr. Johnson is being a tad disingenuous?

Columbus wrote: "Hmm, I guess we'll have to take him for his word and not assume Mr. Johnson is being a tad disingenuous?
."

I don't feel snookered by it though--I just feel he wanted to tap into a great great tradition, at a time when African American fiction was still without a tradition. Last year I also read Douglass's The Heroic Slave and it's memorable for being a bad novel, from someone who wrote one of the most stirring autobiographies of all time. There still wasn't much fiction tradition to go on even decades later when Johnson was writing.

I'm still a newbie when it comes to the Harlem Renaissance period but it seems like a lot of people were doing a lot of experimenting with fiction, and maybe even what might be called a lot of "fighting" about what the tradition for black fiction should/would become. Johnson's choice to look back and tap into the rich tradition of personal narrative seems like a very solid choice and maybe he was able to write such an incredible novel in part because of relying on that tradition vs. trying to make up something completely new.

I think that it's possible he published anonymously for more than one reason. I think that having readers believe the novel was a true account probably gave a sense of urgency to the racism encountered by the narrator.

Thank you for choosing this book as the monthly read. The fact that I was never introduced to this book at a younger age is an indicator of the lack of diversity that existed in the past, in school curriculum and public acknowledgement of other cultures, besides the mainstream one, of course. Fortunately, that has improved somewhat. I think that even though it is not a true autobiographical novel, Mr. Johnson's own experiences lend to its authenticity. The narrator's discovery, as a young boy, that he is biracial, is a powerful scene. In my opinion, one of the most memorable that I've read. I feel fortunate to have finally discovered this book and author, and will do my best to make it available to a new generation of readers.

Starting today the discussion is through Chapter 6

This novel seems to me to incorporate elements of both fiction and autobiography. Judging from his wikipedia page, lot of events and locations from his life were included in the story. But it doesn't seem from his pictures that he would have had the ability to easily pass for white or black as the protagonist in the story does. Passing as white and the consequences of doing so seems to be a major theme of Black literature from this period. I imagine as the dust settled from slavery and the obvious advantages of being white in America were clear to that segment of Black society that was both light skinned and educated, such explorations of this duality were inevitable. Although many of the scenes and situations are dated and sometimes amusingly so, the story is both poignant and relevant to today's readers.

Certainly the way the story is told gives it an autobiography/memoir feel to it, but I never got the feeling that this was the author's story. For me there is an odd detachment with race. So much so, that the main character doesn't really seem to struggle with being part negro. He doesn't have any ill feelings towards negroes even when he thought he was white (which struck me as strange for these times). Then he found out he was part negro and there are two sentences (exaggeration) of adjustment and then he's completely fine with being a negro. That subtlety implies to me that the writer knew one point of view only. The main character never struck me as confused about who/what he is. I did not pick up on any great struggles with identity at this point in the book (Chapters 1-6).

Monica wrote: "Certainly the way the story is told gives it an autobiography/memoir feel to it, but I never got the feeling that this was the author's story. For me there is an odd detachment with race. So much s..."

I dunno..I thought the author was very if not almost hyper aware of race, particularly after it was pointed out to him that he was not white. He realized immediately that his former white friends treated him differently, that he was now consigned to the group he formerly looked down upon, and that he only had one friend in the group that he felt was equal to him in any way, the totally inappropriately named "Shine".
Not to mention the awakening (kick in the pants) he gets when his father visits.

William wrote: "I dunno..I thought the author was very if not almost hyper aware of race, particularly after it was pointed out to him that he was not white. He realized immediately that his former white friends treated him differently, that he was now consigned to the group he formerly looked down upon, and that he only had one friend in the group that he felt was equal to him in any way, the totally inappropriately named "Shine".
Not to mention the awakening (kick in the pants) he gets when his father visits."

I didn't mean to imply that the main character was unaware of race, just that for me, the knowledge of his roots really didn't seem to impact him much. I guess something could be said for his notion that he was innately good at music which was something he did not embrace until he found out he was a negro. I thought that was an element the author injected to apply some kind of inherent, intangible characteristic of a negro to the main character. When I said detachment, I didn't mean to imply he wasn't aware of racial differences (he was acutely aware of race which is one of the many elements of the book that I loved), just that it didn't seem to make a difference to how he saw himself or rather he made the adjustment quickly. And maybe that was an element of privilege that allowed him not to be as affected by race as someone with darker skin might be.

Starting today we discuss through Chapter 9

Well I am kind of upset about his not being more emotional about the poor women. He seems to go on with his story and travels with his millionaire friend. Later he says he felt like it might have been his fault but he goes on.

Entire book open for discussion

just finished reading last night, and now, (re)reading comments, am in agreement with much of what has been said. I noticed the author's detachment, as well, and distancing: no one is every described by name (except Shiny and another school mate); the narrative seems to move under the movement of the author - often literally, as he travels. The narrator does reflect and does present varied points of view (e.g. the smoking car, the racist Texan, the (liberal?) professor. I keep thinking, now, about what it might have been like, at the time, to encounter and comment on racism in the ways that he does. I'm glad we read this.

and this, from poem-a-day, if you've not already seen it
http://academyofamericanpoets.cmail20...

Thank you for the beautiful poem, Janet! Now that I've had time to reassess this novel, I wonder if the narrator's detachment as mentioned, could be the result of J.W. Johnson writing in an era that didn't allow him to be freer in discussing his true feelings regarding race, and privilege. Possibly, as mentioned, the narrator's skin color allowed him the opportunity to fit in more readily or he simply needed to be in denial of his hurt to survive & move ahead? Much to ponder which leads me to wonder how his writing would be different if he were to live in another generation.

I am finished. I am interested in hearing what others think.

Rebecca wrote: "Well I am kind of upset about his not being more emotional about the poor women. He seems to go on with his story and travels with his millionaire friend. Later he says he felt like it might have b..."

Was this the scene from the night club? Our man was in a situation not exactly of his doing. A more honorable man might have stayed around long enough to tell the authorities what happened. But he decided to escape with millionaire, leaving the country.

Your right Sarah it was from the nightclub.

That whole adventure with the millionaire made me wonder how far he would go in being a plaything. Where was his self-respect?

He definatley seems to struggle with it at times. Does it seem like he ended up doing somethings he said he never wanted to?Ex. Gambling, drinking, playing in a bar?

Sarah what did you think about the encounter with his father and sister. We're you surprised?

I wasn't surprised about the father encounter. He had been out of his son's life for so long. And after his mother died, there was no reason for the father to include him in anything anymore. It was definitely hurtful.

Rebecca wrote: "I am finished. I am interested in hearing what others think."

I finished pretty early in the month and sometimes it's hard to remember when exactly things happened (chapter-wise). I was fascinated by this book. I love when this club reads the classics. I could not divorce this tale from the time it was written. I personally was more interested in the author's perceptions of the time (attitudes, ideas, identity, attitude, etc), than I was in the actual story. I had this same feeling last year with Plum Bun: A Novel without a Moral. I was more fascinated by what I perceived the world/environment the author was living in that helped to create the story they had written. I found this book to be more fulfilling (better written, more interesting story, perhaps it was that the men of that time simply have more to do, more options and more to be a part of in the world. I'm not sure what about made it better but it was) than Plum Bun.

As I mentioned earlier, I thought the main character was a little detached not just from his own identity (race) but also basic emotions. A little clinical, as if all these things happened to someone else. Even his strong emotions seemed dampened. Again, perhaps a sign of the time it was written. Maybe strong emotions were not expressed so overtly by anyone (love, revulsion, fear, happiness etc). What I also found interesting was how timeless the novel seemed. Most of the activities and and circumstances still take place today (cake walks and millionaire benefactors who want nothing from you except to help you express your art not withstanding). Gambling, clubbing, musicians, drinking, drugging, running women (my term), living day to day by your paycheck, hustling, all of it still happens today in a very similar way. Almost a mirror from 1912.

Monica wrote:
As I mentioned earlier, I thought the main character was a little detached not just from his own identity (race) but also basic emotions. A little clinical, as if all these things happened to someone else. Even his strong emotions seemed dampened.

I agree Monica and I think this was a bit of a disappointment and not expected for me.
I do think that I got more caught up in how he should react and feel rather than just looking like you said at his perceptions of the time.
For me the highlight was his various quests for race discussion and I did enjoy what he said and what he learned from each one was very profound and powerful.

His struggle after he had his children was particularly fascinating to me and how he attempted to reconcile that aspect of his identity. I think the ending came full circle from where he started at in the beginning.

I am glad that I read this book . It left me with a lot of questions but again because I was expecting some more strong emotions surrounding the events of his life.

I love the book for a lot of reasons but one of them is the wrenchingly sad conclusion which compresses a lifetime of trying to conform into a lamentation of despair, a regret that he never allowed himself to be himself. Instead, he has exchanged his "birthright for a mess of pottage," a phrase that quotes from the Biblical story of Esau selling his birthright:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mess_of...

I quite liked the book as well, but the main character's lack of emotion is off putting at times for me as well. I suppose he's detached emotionally as a defense mechanism as a result of being unattached to a clear sense of identity. But he does tend to float back and forth depending on the situation and it seems amazingly easy for him to do so. I was a bit put off by seeming to categorize the late wife and his kids as a "mess of pottage." of course, that still leaves him less problematic than his own father. I would ask if the regret is that he never allowed himself to be himself, or whether he would ever be allowed to be himself whatever that may actually have been.

I am curious, what did people think about the millionaire benefactor and the author's treatment of the character? My thought was that it was a tepid effort to broach the subject homosexuality during that time. I was fascinated by the approach and in my view the tiptoeing around the subject and the obtuseness of the main character towards his benefactor.

I also thought that the benefactor relationship was going to turn out to be a homosexual one but then the narrator never did really go there so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. But I think that even in his time that a no strings attached type of arrangement such as he describes would have been extremely unusual.

well, the question becomes if it wasn't a homosexual relationship, what was it? It's hard to see any real motivation for our millionaire and what we are presented with is pretty weak. a patron using the main character's talents to mask his lack of talent or skills?

Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion. I thought this was an incredible book by the prominent author which delved into many interesting facets of life during this time for African Americans and this unnamed protagonist in particular. Though the primary discussion has ended the thread will remain open for anyone who would like to add any new comments, thoughts or questions. Thanks again!

I just got my copy today from the library. Looking forward to reading people's comments.