51 pages • 1 hour read
The Street
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Book Brief
435
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • 1940s
1946
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Street, written by Ann Petry and published in 1946, follows Lutie Johnson, a single mother of a young boy named Bub, who moves into a new apartment in Harlem during the 1940s. Despite the squalid conditions of the apartment and the threatening behavior of the building’s superintendent, Jones, Lutie believes the move is necessary for her and Bub's survival. She struggles against exploitation while attempting to secure a better future for her son. Sensitive topics include domestic violence, racism, and exploitation.
Dark
Gritty
Mysterious
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
14,567 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ann Petry's The Street is lauded for its powerful depiction of systemic racism and the struggles of a single black mother in 1940s Harlem. Critics praise its vivid prose and complex characters, though some note its heavy themes may be emotionally taxing. Overall, it is considered a compelling and essential read for its social commentary and literary merit.
Who Should Read The Street?
A reader who appreciates The Street by Ann Petry likely enjoys deeply evocative narratives focused on the struggles of African American women. Comparable to Richard Wright's Native Son and Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, this reader seeks stories rich in social critique and emotional depth against an urban backdrop.
14,567 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bub Johnson
Bub Johnson
A curious and energetic 9-year-old who cares deeply for his mother and tries to help her financially, often spending time alone in their neighborhood.
Jones
Jones
The superintendent of Lutie’s building who lives a lonely existence, struggling to connect with others and harboring unreciprocated desires.
Mrs. Hedges
Mrs. Hedges
Lutie’s neighbor who runs a brothel out of her apartment, possessing the cunning and resilience to survive and succeed in her environment.
Junto
Junto
A white businessman in Lutie’s neighborhood who owns a bar and casino, viewing people primarily through their financial potential rather than racially.
Boots
Boots
A charismatic bandleader in Harlem known for his mysterious aura and the influence his wealth provides, having risen from humble beginnings.
Min
Min
A woman who has faced a harsh life of abuse and neglect but relies on her instincts and superstitions to navigate her precarious living situation with Jones.
Pops
Pops
Lutie’s father, an alcoholic who regularly hosts parties at her apartment, providing little positive influence in her life.
Mrs. Chandler
Mrs. Chandler
A member of the wealthy white family for whom Lutie worked, representing passive racism and classism despite outward niceness toward Lutie.
435
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • 1940s
1946
Adult
18+ years
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