Book Review: Fences - LPM

Fences by August Wilson

        Fences, by August Wilson, is a fictitious novel set in the late 1950's in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Although in book format, its original placement was in plays and performances. I have never seen the play, but I feel as though if good actors were involved the story could be displayed better and with more ease as compared to the book. The story-line opens itself to either configuration.

           The novel opens (after some informational introduction) with a scene of Troy Maxson, the main character, engaging in some interesting talks with his wife. The second thing he says in the entire novel is "The nigger had a watermelon this big". From this point on in the play two things stayed consistent with that one line. The language was harsh and probably challenging to read for those who are easily offended by it. Also, racial stereotypes, especially of African Americans, were challenged and brought to center stage (bad pun). In general I completely enjoyed reading the book but I would not be surprised if others were persuaded against it for many reasons.
         
          One of these reasons includes the style of the book. There are no quotes for dialog or anything of that sort; everything is all done by play-like lines of (for example) NAME: What they say. In my opinion, not many people have read novels before in this format, be it such a small change, it does take a bit to get used to. I would argue that the format should not sway you away from the novel. Out of all of the things that can bring doubt to if you should read Fences, it should not be the different method of display.

          The second, which I previously mentioned, is the amount of foul language all throughout the story. Personally, this does not bother me at all. However, I know many people would not prefer it and some would not want to read this book because of it. All of it does not even boil down to the high amount of cursing but also the stereotypical African American dialect that can be seen in almost every line of the play. I would beg of anyone that has the desire to start the book to not be dissuaded because of the language used.

          Overall, the novel is great and I truly enjoyed it. The reader can see how Troy's relationships change with every event and how racial stereotypes are challenged all throughout the plot. I am usually a tough critic on books as in if they are not interesting or keep me wanting to read I do not thoroughly like them. Fences was different though. I recommend any reader to give the book a try, even if it falls out of your comfort zone. It will be worth it. 


                                                                                             - LPM