City News

            History is a complicated thing. In school, history teachers usually revolve their class around a textbook. In some ways, textbooks can be great. Short, concise information on the biggest events in history; however, textbooks do not delve into the deeper, darker truths in history. The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead, is a fictional novel that uncovers the lies and horrors performed by the Nickel Academy. This fictional academy is a reform school for boys that is based off the real Florida School for Boys, an institution present a century after the end of slavery; in addition, the academy secretly tortured, killed, and raped boys. They concealed their efforts by the government and ignored efforts to end segregation as the institution was very racist. Black boys were subjected to worse dorms, they were beaten more often, and they were treated unfairly in the school’s justice system. 

            After being wrongfully picked up by a police offer for attempting car theft, Elwood Curtis’ life dramatically changes. He is practically imprisoned by the Nickel Academy and is treated like a meaningless object. It is also important to note that the academy is almost impossible to escape. Those who have tried have either been tortured brutally or killed. In fact, the Nickel Academy contains a “secret graveyard” where boys are secretly buried as a means to hide the bodies from the government. It is one of the most terrifying places on Earth but it is a true embodiment of the struggles African-Americans were subjected to in an era where trail blazers like MLK were fighting for equality. One of Elwood’s role models is MLK. Elwood often has a difficult time trying to emulate MLK, especially when it comes to being able to love others when they cause so much pain to him. This ideological struggle is a huge component to the novel and Elwood’s embracement of MLK’s ideas causes him to have a head-down mentality to get out of the school. If one works hard and is under good behavior, that individual is awarded points and enough points get you released. Unfortunately, Elwood is going to realize that the world is not very rewarding. 

            An important character to discuss is Elwood’s main friend, Turner. He is also another “inmate” at Nickel. Unlike Elwood, Turner is not as optimistic about everything and is infused with MLK’s words. Turner is rough, but he is a survivor. He has survival instincts and is a closed off person; however Elwood is one of the few people who has been able to get to him. Turner has always been eying an escape from the Nickel Academy and he makes it abundantly clear that when he attempts to escape, he will not take Elwood with him because another person will only attract more attention and slow him down. Perhaps their relationship will grow and develop to where Turner’s closed off personality will open just a bit. 

            This is a very relevant novel that highlights some of the horrible atrocities committed upon African-American boys in these corrupt reform schools across the country. The evils present in the Nickel Academy is a sad part of our nation’s history, but it’s a story that needs to be talked about. This novel is incredibly relevant in our society today because of the recent wake of social injustice in our country. Whitehead won the Pulitzer Prize because of this novel so it is becoming more and more well-recognized by all. I strongly recommend this book to everyone. It’s a great read that is very educational and powerful. It deals with the repercussions of trauma, sacrifice, and the horrors of a racist society. Elwood Curtis’ story is one that needs to be known worldwide because it emphasizes the regretful mistakes our nation made and it’s a great tool for our nation to grow. 

Check out Nickel Boys from the Newport Beach Public Library.