The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead - Learning From Literature

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is a historical fiction novel published in 2019.

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General Summary (No Spoilers!)

As the horrors of Nickel Academy’s past emerge, Elwood Curtis, an African-American business owner in New York City, confronts his own traumatic memories from the institution as survivors share their stories of abuse.

The narrative jumps back five decades earlier, revealing Elwood’s past as a dedicated high school student inspired by the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. Despite earning a coveted spot at university, Elwood’s aspirations are shattered when he is unjustly convicted of a crime and sent to the Nickel Academy, a juvenile reformatory in Florida. Confronted with a harsh reality far from his idealistic visions, Elwood grapples with maintaining hope amidst the brutality of inadequate education, forced labor, beatings, and trips “out back”, where some boys never return.

The rest of the novel details Elwood’s experiences within the Nickel Academy and his struggle to survive the poor conditions, corruption, and abuse.

Background

The Dozier School for Boys, located in Marianna, Florida, was established in 1900 as a state-run institution for delinquent boys. Aiming to provide discipline and education to troubled youth, at one point, it was the largest juvenile reform facility in the United States.

Over the years, however, the school gained a notorious reputation for its harsh and abusive treatment of its students. Reports of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse began to surface, with former students alleging horrific experiences of violence and neglect.

The institution disproportionately targeted black youths, with severe beatings, whippings, and disappearances without explanation not out of the ordinary.

Despite numerous “investigations,” the abuse persisted for decades. In 2012, a forensic examination found evidence of unmarked graves on the school grounds, exposing over 100 deaths concealed by authority figures.

The revelations prompted widespread outrage and calls for justice from survivors and their families. However, the state of Florida wanted to sell the property and said they could not exhume the graves for further investigation, until forced by a court injunction.

The recent history of the Dozier School for Boys stands as a chilling reminder of the dark legacy of institutional abuse and systemic racism in America.

Themes

Institutionalized Racism

Whitehead highlights the lasting influence of a deeply racist past, illustrating how, despite laws condemning bigotry, people such as Elwood and Turner still confront pervasive racism, violence, and segregation (a century after slavery was abolished)

Personal Dignity

Elwood embraces Martin Luther King’s message of believing in yourself and your rights, showcasing the possibility of maintaining self-worth even amidst extreme adversity

Corruption of Authority

The novel exposes the abuse of power and corruption within educational institutions, highlighting the devastating consequences when those in positions of authority betray their responsibilities

Review

Whitehead employed many literary devices to create his masterpiece, expertly blending fact and fiction, utilizing a frame story (or dual timeline), and exploring profound themes with richly developed characters. The general public agrees as The Nickel Boys won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, one of the most prestigious awards in literature.

In addition, the novel has found its way into the high-school curriculum in some states, offering students a more accessible and engaging (albeit more sad) read than other books commonly found on school reading lists.

Personal Thoughts And Recommendations

I read The Nickel Boys in high school and I would say it is a very important, moving book. My favorite elements of the novel are the incorporation of a real-life history and the ease of reading.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical / contemporary fiction novels containing themes of social justice. For example, if you like The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, you should read The Nickel Boys.

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