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Paul Beatty's "Tuff" Novel: A Subversive Masterpiece that Explores Race in America

Clarence Brooks

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Tuff: A Novel

by Paul Beatty

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2925 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In 2016, Paul Beatty's novel "Tuff" was awarded the Man Booker Prize. This was a significant achievement for Beatty, as he became the first American author to win the prestigious award. "Tuff" is a subversive masterpiece that explores race in America through the lens of a young black man named Bonbon. Bonbon's story is at once hilarious and heartbreaking, and his voice is unforgettable.

Plot Summary

Bonbon is a young black man who lives in Los Angeles. He is a talented artist, but he is struggling to find his place in the world. He is constantly being harassed by the police, and he is tired of being treated like a second-class citizen. In a fit of desperation, Bonbon decides to become a professional wrestler. He takes the name "Tuff" and starts to perform in local wrestling matches.

At first, Bonbon's wrestling career is a success. He wins several matches and he starts to gain a following. However, his success is short-lived. He soon learns that the wrestling world is just as racist as the rest of the world. Bonbon is constantly being discriminated against, and he is never truly accepted by his fellow wrestlers.

Despite the challenges he faces, Bonbon never gives up on his dream. He continues to wrestle, and he uses his platform to speak out against racism. Bonbon's story is inspiring, and it shows the power of perseverance.

Character Analysis

Bonbon is a complex and multifaceted character. He is intelligent and artistic, but he is also deeply flawed. He is often angry and resentful, but he is also capable of great love and compassion. Bonbon is a survivor, and he is determined to make a better life for himself.

Beatty does an excellent job of creating a complex and believable character. Bonbon is a character that readers will root for, even when he makes mistakes. He is a reminder that racism is still a problem in America, and that it is important to stand up and fight for what is right.

Themes

"Tuff" explores a number of important themes, including race, identity, politics, and art. Beatty uses satire and humor to expose the absurdity of racism, and he challenges readers to think about their own beliefs and prejudices. "Tuff" is a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to stay with readers long after they have finished it.

Paul Beatty's "Tuff" is a subversive masterpiece that explores race in America through the lens of a young black man named Bonbon. Bonbon's story is at once hilarious and heartbreaking, and his voice is unforgettable. "Tuff" is a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is sure to stay with readers long after they have finished it.

Tuff: A Novel

by Paul Beatty

4.2 out of 5