The Sellout (book)
| Author | Paul Beatty |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
Publication date | 2015 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 304 |
The Sellout is a 2015 novel by Paul Beatty published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.[1] The novel takes place in and around Los Angeles and concerns a protagonist who grows artisanal marijuana and watermelons.[2][3][4] Beatty has stated his motivation for writing the novel was that "[he] was broke".[3]
Plot
The novel concerns a narrator, referred to only by his last name, "Me", who attempts to reintroduce slavery and segregation in his Los Angeles neighborhood. This attempt leads to a Supreme Court case.
Reception
The novel was well received by critics who praised its humor and ostensibly satirical content.[5][6] Beatty has indicated surprise that critics refer to the novel as a comic one, indicating his belief that discussing the comic aspects of the novel prevent critics from having to discuss its more serious themes.[7] He has also been questioned as to whether or not the novel should be characterized as satire.[7]
Awards and honors
- 2016 National Book Critics Circle Award (Fiction), winner.[8]
References
- ↑ Garner, Dwight (26 February 2015). "Review: ‘The Sellout,’ Paul Beatty’s Biting Satire on Race in America". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ↑ Schaub, Michael (2 March 2015). "'The Sellout' Is A Scorchingly Funny Satire On 'Post-Racial' America". NPR. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- 1 2 Reidy, Darren (24 March 2015). "Paul Beatty on Race, Violence and His Scathing New Novel 'The Sellout'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ↑ Garner, Dwight (10 December 2015). "The Top Books of 2015". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ↑ Colter Walls, Seth (4 March 2015). "The Sellout by Paul Beatty review – a galvanizing satire of post-racial America". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ↑ Crum, Maddie (4 March 2015). "The Bottom Line: 'The Sellout' By Paul Beatty". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- 1 2 May, Chris (7 May 2015). "Our Thing: An Interview with Paul Beatty". The Paris Review. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ↑ Alexandra Alter (March 17, 2016). "‘The Sellout’ Wins National Book Critics Circle’s Fiction Award". New York Times. Retrieved March 18, 2016.