The Man Who Lived Underground

By: Richard Wright

Narrated by: Ethan Herisse

New York Times Bestseller • One of the Best Books of the Year by Time magazine, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, and Esquire, and one of Oprah’s 15 Favorite Books of the Year

Read by actor Ethan Herisse

From the legendary author of Native Son and Black Boy, the novel he was unable to publish during his lifetime—an explosive story of racism, injustice, brutality, and survival. ""Not just Wright's masterwork, but also a milestone in African American literature . . . One of those indispensable works that reminds all its readers that, whether we are in the flow of life or somehow separated from it, above- or belowground, we are all human."" (Gene Seymour, CNN.com)

“The Man Who Lived Underground reminds us that any ‘greatest writers of the 20th century’ list that doesn’t start and end with Richard Wright is laughable. It might very well be Wright’s most brilliantly crafted, and ominously foretelling, book.”—Kiese Laymon

Fred Daniels, a Black man, is picked up by the police after a brutal double murder and tortured until he confesses to a crime he did not commit. After signing a confession, he escapes from custody and flees into the city’s sewer system.

This is the devastating premise of Richard Wright's scorching novel, The Man Who Lived Underground, written between his landmark books Native Son (1940) and Black Boy (1945), at the height of his creative powers. Now, for the first time, by special arrangement between the Library of America and the author’s estate, the full text of the work that meant more to Wright than any other (“I have never written anything in my life that stemmed more from sheer inspiration”) is published in the form that he intended, complete with his companion essay, “Memories of My Grandmother.” Malcolm Wright, the author’s grandson, contributes an afterword.

wonderful book

My first book by the author. Will definitely read it again. Enjoyable after almost 80 years.

it was just ok. could have been epic

wanted more out of this. no character development at all and the 2 hours at the end not story related was skipped. could've been more story

If you enjoy the author Richard Wright...

This is an excellent book by Richard Wright. The story is unique but all too familiar when we discuss policing problems. Interesting discussions on faith. Although the protagonist seems to abandon his faith, never give up your faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. Wright’s discussion on surrealism is informative and educational.

Must read

Richard wright at one point was considered the Premier black author of the United States. This new found unabridged manuscript is coupled with memories of his grandmother and also a very insightful after word by Malcolm wright. the writing is authentic and continues to be amazingly relevant 80 years later

Superb. I shall read it again.

I recommend this book highly. I should note that this novel takes place in an American racist city and a black man is accused of a terrible crime that he did not commit. That part of the story can be found on a book cover. So, without giving anything away, this is a book that will teach. It doesn't read, or feel, like some detective or suspense story. There is almost a dream-like quality to it. It's a bit hallucinogenic and other worldly. Even so, the story is important, the perspective is important and where it ends up is important. I happen to be white. My best friend for more than 50 years is black. During the hundreds of times we have visited, he has shared stories about how he and his friends and family had been treated by the authorities. I was always interested in what he shared, but I did not have that experience. Even so, I had heard so many stories over the years, that I can imagine the total unfairness of being treated so different because of skin color. This book, both real and also a psychological study of the main character, gave me another view of racism in America. I will share this title with my friend as I am hoping he will read it, too, and tell me how it impacts him.

So, is it worth reading. Yes. The only caveat is that you should cound on reading all of the end notes as that helps you get even more from the novel. Once you see what inspired Richard Wright to pen this novel, it takes on more than what you'll get out of just one reading.

This was very much worth reading.