74 pages • 2 hours read
Home To Harlem
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Book Brief
340
Novel • Fiction
Harlem • 1920s
1928
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in the Harlem underworld, Claude McKay's 1927 novel Home to Harlem follows African American Jake Brown, who deserts the US military during World War I in France. He returns to Harlem, reconnects with old acquaintances, and longs for a woman he met upon his return. Jake navigates a tumultuous lifestyle, works various jobs, and ultimately seeks a fresh start in Chicago with the woman he loves. Descriptions of violence and drug use appear in the book.
Gritty
Mysterious
Romantic
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,716 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Claude McKay's Home to Harlem receives praise for its vivid portrayal of Harlem's vibrancy and cultural richness during the Harlem Renaissance. Critics commend McKay's use of dialect and character depth. However, some note the narrative's loose structure and reliance on episodic storytelling may detract from overall cohesion. The depiction of complex, flawed characters is both celebrated and critiqued.
Who Should Read Home To Harlem?
Readers who enjoy Home To Harlem by Claude McKay are often intrigued by the Harlem Renaissance, rich cultural history, and complex character studies. Ideal for fans of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and Langston Hughes's Not Without Laughter, they appreciate vivid, evocative depictions of African American life.
1,716 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
340
Novel • Fiction
Harlem • 1920s
1928
Adult
18+ years
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