Paul Beatty: The Sellout (June 2018)
“The Sellout” is an acerbic imaginative satire to challenge thinking on political correctness, radical identity, the legacy of slavery, civil rights, economic and gender equality. The writer does this by means of social farce, which unfurls with the story of how a black man ends up before the Supreme Court for keeping a black slave in a fictional Los Angeles neighbourhood
It was awarded the Man Booker Prize in 2016. Amanda Freeman, head of the judging panel stated, “ The truth is rarely pretty and this is a book that nails the reader to the cross with cheerful abandon”.
No-one escapes his searing insights. Paul Beatty confessed that the book was hard for him to write and he knew it was hard to read.
The group certainly agreed with his latter comment. Not least was the difficulty of trying to understand the vernacular and read the language, which is unacceptable to us, including the “ N-word”.
Margaret was unable to attend the monthly meeting but sent us her reflections for inclusion in the discussion. One of the group commented that these were her views also, in a nutshell.
The discussion was as lively as ever and we shared some of the funny incidents which are scattered throughout the book.
Next months book promises to be a much more traditional move. This month’s read was the most difficult for us since the groups inception 4 years ago. So if you enjoy reading and discussion in a free and friendly atmosphere, “Why not join us”?
Janet Feltham
1st July 2018
I am finding it difficult to express my perceptions of this book. I have never previously given up on any book in our Group. However there is always a first time and this is the one.
I really tried to concentrate, but after the first few chapters, which were probably the only ones I did appreciate, I found the following ones more and more frustrating to read as it felt so exhausting. Therefore I admit I skimmed through the rest of the book and was relieved to admit defeat and put it down.
I can understand reasons why it was chosen to win The Man Booker prize as it is a strong satirical look at the supposedly equality of racial communities and society in today’s America. Within the first chapters I found myself nodding in agreement, laughing and shaking my head at the humorous and ridiculously comical observations of the narrator. But I soon felt that the tone became monotonous and repetitive. The sentences were too long and garbled for my liking. The language is definitely strong and although that did not really offend me too much, I feel this was because it was written by someone from the black community and had it been written by a white American, then maybe it would not have been acceptable and would it even been published?
I do not feel I want to waste my time in commenting either on the characters or the slim story line as I really lost interest in both.
This doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for those who don’t conform, and I welcome reading authors whom are new to me. However, I will not be seeking other books written by Paul Beatty.
Sorry, but not for me.
Margaret Cunningham
June 2018.