The Man in My Basement

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Ernie Hudson

This masterpiece by celebrated New York Times bestselling author Walter Mosley is the mysterious story of a young Black man who agrees to an unusual bargain to save the home that has belonged to his family for generations.

The man at Charles Blakey's door has a proposition almost too strange for words. The stranger offers him $50,000 in cash to spend the summer in Charles's basement, and Charles cannot even begin to guess why. The beautiful house has been in the Blakey family for generations, but Charles has just lost his job and is behind on his mortgage payments. The money would be welcome. But Charles Blakey is black and Anniston Bennet is white, and it is clear that the stranger wants more than a basement view.

There is something deeper and darker about his request, and Charles does not need any more trouble. But financial necessity leaves him no choice. Once Anniston Bennet is installed in his basement, Charles is cast into a role he never dreamed of. Anniston has some very particular requests for his landlord, and try as he might, Charles cannot avoid being lured into Bennet's strange world. At first he resists, but soon he is tempted -- tempted to understand a set of codes that has always eluded him, tempted by the opportunity to understand the secret ways of white folks.

Charles's summer with a man in his basement turns into an exploration of inconceivable worlds of power and manipulation, and unimagined realms of humanity. Walter Mosley pierces long-hidden veins of justice and morality with startling insight into the deepest mysteries of human nature.

Critic reviews

"Will hold readers rapt; it is Mosley's most philosophical novel to date."—Publishers Weekly

"A provocative, page-turning story that constitutes nothing less than a masterpiece."—Bookmarks Magazine

"This is fine, provocative writing from the prolific Mosley, whose gifts extend well beyond his excellent mysteries."—Booklist

Wrong and Right

A strong read about Right and Wrong, and most importantly dealing with the ever lingering consequences!

Thought Provoking

If given the same opportunity as Charles to eliminate debt how many would jump at the chance? Many might step forward if only to give one a taste of being able to be superior over another. Well written story about self reflection, isolation and growth.

Unexpected read

Would you listen to The Man in My Basement again? Why?

This was a book I may have never picked to read. However, my book club decided to read it and I am glad we did. Interesting with many messages.

An Enjoyable Listen

This is an easy listen. Certainly different from your everyday stuff, as the perspective makes it a very interesting book. I enjoyed it.

Makes you think

This is classic Mosely after his dectective genre. Mosely is the type of author that makes one think and deals with real issues in an interesting way. This book deals with the ideas of slavery, heritage, right versus wrong, and some other issues. It held my attention but I probably would have liked the print format better. No a bad listen because the narrator is excellent, just have to pay attention.