X: A Novel
X: A Novel by Ilyasah Shabazz, published by Candlewick Press on January 6, 2015, is a 384-page work that explores the early life of Malcolm Little, who would later become Malcolm X. This novel, co-written by the daughter of Malcolm X, delves into the challenges he faced growing up, including the loss of his parents and the societal barriers that shaped his youth. As he navigates the nightlife of Boston and New York, Malcolm grapples with the allure of a life filled with jazz, fashion, and substance use, all while confronting the harsh realities of his circumstances.
Readers will find a portrayal of Malcolm’s journey from childhood to his imprisonment at age twenty, a pivotal moment that leads him to discover a transformative faith. The narrative addresses significant social themes, including the struggles of African American identity and the impact of drugs and substance abuse in the 20th century. This edition presents a nuanced look at the formative experiences that influenced Malcolm’s path and the voice he would eventually command in history.
Official synopsis Publisher
A 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
Cowritten by Malcolm X’s daughter, this riveting and revealing novel follows the formative years of the man whose words and actions shook the world.
Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that’s a pack of lies—after all, his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can’t run forever.
X follows Malcolm from his childhood to his imprisonment for theft at age twenty, when he found the faith that would lead him to forge a new path and command a voice that still resonates today.
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