62 pages • 2 hours read
Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism
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Book Brief
240
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
1992
Adult
18+ years
1340L
Super Short Summary
Faces at the Bottom of the Well by Derrick A. Bell is a collection of nine short stories that illustrate the enduring reality of racism and its implications in the United States through fictional narratives and discussions between characters, primarily Geneva Crenshaw and a law professor. The stories explore complex issues such as racial symbols, imagined societies, legal frameworks permitting discrimination, racially motivated violence, advocacy, and futuristic scenarios that challenge traditional civil rights paradigms. The book is a significant text in Critical Race Theory and underscores the idea that racism is a permanent feature of American society. Some stories depict racially motivated violence, systemic discrimination, and oppressive societal structures.
Informative
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,022 ratings
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Review Roundup
Bell's Faces at the Bottom of the Well incisively critiques enduring racism through allegorical essays and storytelling. Praised for its bold narrative and intellectual depth, it challenges conventional thinking but is occasionally seen as overly pessimistic. Its thought-provoking nature makes it essential for those probing racial justice, despite some criticisms of its unyielding outlook.
Who Should Read Faces at the Bottom of the Well?
A reader who values critical race theory, explores systemic racism, and appreciates nuanced, provocative narratives will enjoy Faces at the Bottom of the Well by Derrick A. Bell. Fans of Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow or Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me will find it compelling.
2,022 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Geneva Crenshaw
Geneva Crenshaw
A fictional character representing a powerful African American queen and lawyer, engaging in dialogues that challenge idealistic views of the law and representing critical race theory insights through storytelling.
Jason Warfield
Jason Warfield
A charismatic civil rights leader who faces personal and political dilemmas after falling in love, highlighting the intersection of love, race, and activism.
Gleason Golightly
Gleason Golightly
A Black conservative character who initially believes in manipulating racial politics to his advantage but eventually confronts the harsh realities of racial identity and society's constraints.
Erika Weschler
Erika Weschler
A former law student and active member of a militia protecting African Americans, exemplifying a commitment to racial equality and challenging liberal approaches through her libertarian views.
Neva Brownlee
Neva Brownlee
Jason Warfield's deputy, a strategic and dedicated civil rights activist who navigates complex personal and political challenges in pursuit of racial realism.
Sheila Bainbridge
Sheila Bainbridge
A well-educated white woman with strong ties to African American culture through her education, facing conflicts between personal love and societal expectations.
240
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
1992
Adult
18+ years
1340L
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