40 pages • 1 hour read
The House Behind the Cedars
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
208
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • Post-Civil War
1900
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
The House Behind the Cedars follows John and Rena Walden, siblings of mixed race, as they navigate societal boundaries and personal dilemmas related to race and identity in the post-Civil War South. John successfully passes as white and becomes an esteemed lawyer, while Rena's engagement to a wealthy white man falls apart when her heritage is revealed, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. The book contains sensitive topics like racial discrimination and abuse.
Romantic
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
1,678 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Charles W. Chesnutt's The House Behind the Cedars receives praise for its rich exploration of race and identity, masterful narrative, and complex characters. Critics commend its social relevance and depth. However, some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a seminal work in African American literature for its poignant thematic resonance and compelling storytelling.
Who Should Read The House Behind the Cedars?
Readers who appreciate complex social themes, African American literature, and post-Reconstruction era settings will enjoy The House Behind the Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt. Fans of The Marrow of Tradition and The Souls of Black Folk will find this novel's exploration of race and identity compelling.
1,678 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • Post-Civil War
1900
Adult
14+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.