58 pages • 1 hour read
Chester HimesIf He Hollers Let Him Go
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1945A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
If He Hollers Let Him Go by Chester Himes follows four days in the life of Robert “Bob” Jones, a Black leaderman in a World War II Los Angeles shipyard, as he navigates systemic racism, workplace hostility, and personal turmoil. The fast-paced narrative highlights Bob’s struggles against racial antagonism, false accusations, and his fight to maintain his dignity and hope for a better future. The book depicts instances of false sexual accusations, violence, and racial discrimination.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
If He Hollers Let Him Go by Chester Himes is widely praised for its raw, unflinching exploration of race and identity in 1940s America, offering a powerful narrative that still resonates today. Critics commend Himes' gripping prose and vivid characterizations. However, some find its intensity overwhelming and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it remains a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read If He Hollers Let Him Go?
Readers who relish intense, thought-provoking narratives about racial tensions in mid-20th century America, akin to Richard Wright’s Native Son, will find Chester Himes’s If He Hollers Let Him Go compelling. This novel suits those who appreciate gritty realism and a profound exploration of societal oppression and individual identity.