Comments on: Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician

By: Sidney/SydrycalWorks

Sidney/SydrycalWorks — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:17:29 +0000

This ain’t chop liver folks. Okay, the title is a bit lectionary. I would have preferred ‘Black to Alabama’. But wake up people. This guy that is writing this spoor on the human spirit is no magician he is one helluva writer of writhe. You that don’t get it. Take your behind to wig-wag school. Sidney/SydrycalWorks.

By: Jasper

Jasper — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 03:29:10 +0000

I know everyone has the right to their opinion, but honestly I am totally and absolutely mystified by the comment above that says this book has “no plot…???” We must have read different books. Fortunately, given the other reader remarks here and 100% of national book reviews I’ve read specifically marveling at the masterful plot – I can say if we didn’t read different books, we definitely read books differently.

By: Holden Richards

Holden Richards — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 15:53:12 +0000

It's a powerful read about alot of things all at once. Very few writers could tackle the south, magical realism, the difficulty of race in the 50s and the circus, the devil himself all in one terriffic read. I could not put it down.

By: Joel Haas

Joel Haas — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 02:52:33 +0000

I read the book the day after it came out. I was VERY disappointed. Elegant style but no plot. IF it’s ever made into a movie, they will need to have done for it what Larry McMurtry had to do for Annie Proulx’s BROKE BACK MOUNTAIN–add plot and characters and motivations.

By: Jasper

Jasper — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 20:26:20 +0000

I actually read the book and honestly, it is beyond fantastic… look at the reviews (LA Times, Oprah mag,USA Today, etc.) THere isn’t a bad one – nor does any reviewer note the title…it is a period piece and the title (not actually ironic) makes perfect sense once you read the book.Try it.

By: Claude

Claude — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:05:17 +0000

The Magical Ni**er would be more ironic, why not use that?

Irony is not an excuse for offense. But we (everyone) have the choice whether or not to be offended. I'm sure it's a lovely book... unfortunate title, though.

By: Another John

Another John — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:13:55 +0000

Apparently “the term was popularized by Spike Lee, who derided the archetype of the “super-duper magical negro” in 2001 while discussing films with students at Washington State University and at Yale University”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_negro

By: Mr. Black

Mr. Black — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:08:29 +0000

“…the Negro Magician?” Hmm – sounds like another tale in which the good-hearted, harmless person of color with powers shows up and saves all the good white folk, kinda like John Coffey or Bagger Vance. I can’t wait for the movie. Are you writing it John?

By: Ray

Ray — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:27:44 +0000

Nah, let’s stick with assuming. Anger is fun! :)

By: Tricia

Tricia — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:12:21 +0000

Actually, I don’t think we can assume anything. How about we read the book -or at least the excerpt Daniel has on his site- first, then discuss the merits of the title.

By: Oli

Oli — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:30:24 +0000

what a horrible title

I think we can assume the title is ironic, Andre.

I once found a children's book in a stately home with the title "The Gollywog's Fox Hunt". Now that's offensive.