Daddy Was a Number Runner

A Novel

By: Louise Meriwether

Narrated by: Karen Murray

This modern classic is "a tough, tender, bitter novel of a Black girl struggling towards womanhood" in 1930s Harlem—with a foreword by James Baldwin (Publishers Weekly).

Depression-era Harlem is home for twelve-year-old Francie Coffin and her family, and it's both a place of refuge and the source of untold dangers for her and her poor, working class family. The beloved "daddy" of the title indeed becomes a number runner when he is unable to find legal work, and while one of Francie's brothers dreams of becoming a chemist, the other is already in a gang. Francie is a dreamer, too, but there are risks in everything from going to the movies to walking down the block, and her pragmatism eventually outweighs her hope; "We was all poor and Black and apt to stay that way, and that was that."

First published in 1970, Daddy Was a Number Runner is one of the seminal novels of the Black experience in America. The New York Times Book Review proclaimed it "a most important novel."

©1970 Louise Meriwether (P)2022 Tantor

Short but meaningful

Even if this book isn’t, its true in my eyes, ears and heart. Every definitive occurrence shone in this book highlights the happenings of mine and my ancestors lives. Thank you!!! And thank you for explaining at the end. It was appreciated.

Coming of age in depression era Harlem

A vibrant story of a adolescent black girl growing up in depression era Harlem. The author utilizes distinct descriptions of even the most mundane things to bring you right into the life of 13 year old Francie, her family, friends and the trials of being poor and black in America. From the challenges of walking the long way home to avoid bullies to the belittling interactions with the government assistance office, you experience a year of threadbare hopes and dreams juxtaposed with the harsh realities of poverty and despair. Yet by the end of the book Francie awakens to the fact that there are a few things within her control and stands in the little power she has.

amazing

Amazing story. A simple yet dynamic coming of age story.Meruweathers ability to touch on effects race ,class , and gender and display them so effortlessly is made me love this so much.