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59 pages 1 hour read

The Sellout

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Paul Beatty

The Sellout

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Paul Beatty's The Sellout follows an African-American man named Me who, after feeling lost due to the dissolution of his hometown of Dickens and the death of his father, attempts to reinstate segregation and slavery to bring attention to racial issues and rejuvenate the community. The novel deals with sensitive topics, including race, segregation, extreme violence, and trauma.

Humorous

Dark

Gritty

Challenging

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.0

81,953 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Paul Beatty's The Sellout is lauded for its biting satire, brilliant humor, and unflinching examination of race and culture in America. While some readers find the narrative's irreverence and dense prose challenging, many appreciate the novel's bold, thought-provoking commentary. It offers a powerful mix of comedy and social critique, though its edgy approach may not resonate with all.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sellout?

Readers who relish sharp satire, biting social commentary, and dark humor will be captivated by Paul Beatty's The Sellout. Comparable to Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man and Joseph Heller's Catch-22, this novel appeals to those who appreciate incisive critiques of race and culture in America.

4.0

81,953 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Me

The narrator and protagonist who embarks on a complex quest of personal and social transformation against great odds. He engages in efforts to make invisible societal issues visible, with his actions leading to notable changes in the town of Dickens.

Me’s father, a psychologist known for his harsh and unorthodox parenting methods, akin to behaviorist experiments, with the goal of connecting his son to his racial identity. He is both a community therapist and an antagonist in Me’s journey.

An antagonist to both F. K. Me and Me, he is a self-serving figure who uses the community as a means to personal gain, exploiting the belief that one Black person can speak for all. His rivalry with F. K. surfaces through intellectual and personal confrontations.

A former child actor who becomes Me’s self-imposed slave, acting as his sidekick. Their partnership leads to the restoration of segregation in Dickens, encapsulating layers of performative symbolism around issues of race.

Me’s long-time romantic interest, who is confident and independent, boldly managing her roles on and off the bus she drives. She influences Me personally and professionally, embodying strength and overt sexuality.

An assistant principal at Chaff Middle School, she supports Me’s controversial changes in the school’s system. Though caught in the story's irony, she plays a crucial role in facilitating the narrative’s climax.

Characters in the narrative who underscore the theme of sexualized women, both having intimate interactions with Hominy. Topsy participates in skinny dipping, while Laura Jane is hired for a birthday event, symbolizing temptation.

A gang leader who supports Me’s actions in Dickens and is associated with the democratization of knowledge in the community. He stands out with his sophisticated dialogue and contributions to the local intellectual group.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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