A Book A Week

Author Percival Everett has built a career on writing sharp, satirical novels that delve into the complexities of race and identity without taking himself too seriously. His 2021 novel Trees, for instance, combines a gripping murder mystery with America’s tragic history of lynchings, all while finding humor in the absurdity of racism. More recently, he reimagined Mark Twain's classic Huck Finn story, giving agency to the enslaved side character James and retelling the narrative from his perspective. This approach isn't new for Everett; his 2001 novel Erasure showcases his longstanding commitment to these themes. Erasure has gained renewed attention with its adaptation into the Best Picture-nominated film American Fiction. The movie brings that story to life in a way that perfectly captures the tone of Evertt's brilliant writing. 

Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, played by Jeffery Wright, has carved out a respectable career as an author and writing professor in LA. Unfortunately, his novels, acclaimed by literary critics for their philosophical depth and references to Greek mythology, don't translate to commercial success. Monk's latest manuscript is repeatedly rejected, with the troubling feedback that his writing isn’t "Black enough."

Monk grapples with this criticism. How can an African American man write something that isn’t "Black enough?" It’s only when he attends a writing conference that he understands what the publishers mean. In stark contrast to his poorly attended panel, author Sintara Golden's interview about her bestseller We Lives in Da Ghetto is packed, with readers eagerly absorbing every word of her stereotypical narrative. Faced with his elderly mother's declining health and his own lack of sales, Monk pens My Pafology, a satirical novel mocking the clichés expected from Black writers—melodramatic plots, deadbeat dads, gang violence, and drugs. To his astonishment, the book sparks a bidding war. Now, Monk is torn between staying true to his professional principles or selling out to achieve the success he has always dreamed of.

Making his feature directorial debut, Cord Jefferson masterfully adapts Everett's novel, bringing the story to life with a blend of timeliness and emotional depth. The ensemble cast delivers authentic performances that draw viewers into the larger themes of the narrative, such as racism, classism, and the personal consequences of not staying true to oneself. The film balances humor and conflict with a few tear-jerking moments along the way. Its clever and unique conclusion is one of the most memorable endings I've seen in a long time. Overall, American Fiction entertains while subtly engaging your deeper thoughts, compelling you to confront the significant themes the characters navigate.