74 pages • 2 hours read
Claude McKayHome To Harlem
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1928A 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
Set in the Harlem underworld, Claude McKay's 1927 novel Home to Harlem follows African American Jake Brown, who deserts the US military during World War I in France. He returns to Harlem, reconnects with old acquaintances, and longs for a woman he met upon his return. Jake navigates a tumultuous lifestyle, works various jobs, and ultimately seeks a fresh start in Chicago with the woman he loves. Descriptions of violence and drug use appear in the book.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Claude McKay's Home to Harlem receives praise for its vivid portrayal of Harlem's vibrancy and cultural richness during the Harlem Renaissance. Critics commend McKay's use of dialect and character depth. However, some note the narrative's loose structure and reliance on episodic storytelling may detract from overall cohesion. The depiction of complex, flawed characters is both celebrated and critiqued.
Who Should Read Home To Harlem?
Readers who enjoy Home To Harlem by Claude McKay are often intrigued by the Harlem Renaissance, rich cultural history, and complex character studies. Ideal for fans of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and Langston Hughes's Not Without Laughter, they appreciate vivid, evocative depictions of African American life.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Harlem Renaissance
Race / Racism
History: U.S.
American Literature
Historical Fiction
Classic Fiction