"Going to Meet the Man" by James Baldwin: One of the true giants of American literature, James Baldwin is also among 70 proof's favorite authors. But, in all honesty, it's kind of a love- hate relationship. While his elegant, effortless prose leaves us in awe, it also shakes us to the core. When we read Mr. Baldwin's work, it's not unlike a painter staring at the Sistine Chapel, a guitarist listening to Son House, or a weasel watching a politician. Why should we even try when another has so mastered the craft?
Originally published in 1965, "Going to Meet the Man" is a collection of eight short stories, the majority of which further Mr. Baldwin's exploration of race, racism, and sexuality. The best of the lot, and probably the most famous, is "Sonny's Blues." After a period of estrangement, two brothers are reunited, each still trying to cope with their memories of growing up in the ghettos of Harlem. While the narrator, and older brother, has managed to escape with few outward signs of distress, becoming a school teacher and a family man, Sonny hasn't been so lucky, falling prey to a heroin addiction. Now, attempting to kick the habit and live in the straight world, Sonny hopes to find salvation through music.
The book's first two stories feature the Grimes family, who were also the basis of Mr. Baldwin's first novel, the masterful "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Dysfunctional family dynamics are put on display in "The Rockpile" when the father, Gabriel Grimes, shows favoritism between his sons, John and Roy. In "The Outing," a church picnic is the backdrop as John undergoes a spiritual and sexual awakening. I think we all know how painful that can be. I'm still not allowed back in my church.
"Previous Condition" tells of a young black man who is being worn down by the daily grind of racism, yet also a man who can't even find solace in the company of his own people. "This Morning, This Evening, So Soon" has a famous black singer/actor bracing for a return to America after finding his success, not to mention a white wife, in the more open- minded world of Paris, France. The difficulties of an interracial relationship are told from the female perspective in "Come Out the Wilderness," as a young black woman involved with a questionable white man deals with the guilt, resentment, and undeniable passion of their relationship.
Perhaps the most powerful story is "Going to Meet the Man," which was also the only one written specifically for the collection. It delves into the roots of racism, putting forth a grotesquely graphic depiction of a lynching and how it affected a small white boy who witnessed it. This isn't a tale for the faint of heart. Mr. Baldwin holds nothing back in his description of the sickening act and the despicable hate it would one day inspire. However, for all its vivid imagery, the psychology of the story can be a bit heavy-handed, forcing its point upon the captive reader. A touch more subtlety would have gone a long way.
"The Man Child" also contains a frightening act of violence, but unlike "Going to Meet the Man," where the crime is used to drive home the horror and impact of racism, here it's only meant to shock. In fact, this story really doesn't seem to fit with the others; its focal point is jealousy and resentment between friends, without any racial undertones whatsoever. This story was actually first drafted in the 1950s and remained unpublished until its inclusion in the collection. And, sadly, it feels like an afterthought added for the sole purpose of filling out the book.
While all the stories are beautifully written, only "Sonny's Blues" is worthy of four shots. Of course, 70 proof naturally favors more existential texts, so works that focus on specific aspects of life don't always register. But we appreciate the opportunity to study the works of Mr. Baldwin. He was special.
RATING: 