Plot summary, “Brothers and Keepers” by John Edgar Wideman in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"Brothers and Keepers" is a memoir written by John Edgar Wideman. Published in 1984, the book delves into the markedly different life paths taken by two African-American brothers, John and his sibling Robby, despite their shared upbringing in the modest Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. John rises to become a Rhodes Scholar, a college professor, and a successful writer, while Robby grapples with heroin addiction and faces a life sentence for his involvement in a botched robbery that turns deadly.
The memoir navigates through personal recollections, interviews conducted through prison glass, and reflections on race, identity, prison conditions, and the American Dream. The narrative kicks off in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1976, where John, teaching literature and creative writing at the University of Wyoming, awaits the arrival of Robby, a fugitive wanted for murder.
Wideman explores the complexities of familial bonds, societal expectations, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of racial challenges. The memoir also delves into the impact of Robby's incarceration on both brothers, shedding light on the harsh conditions of American prisons and the disproportionate struggles faced by black men within the system.
Throughout the book, Wideman supplements the narrative with poems, letters, and first-person accounts from Robby's perspective, providing a multifaceted exploration of their experiences. The memoir concludes with reflections on the brothers' evolving understanding of themselves and what it means to be black in America.
"Brothers and Keepers" is praised for its powerful storytelling, exploration of race and identity, and its candid portrayal of the complexities within familial relationships.
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