The Man in My Basement
The Man in My Basement
Book Brief
249
Novel • Fiction
Long Island, New York • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Man in My Basement, a philosophical and literary novel by Walter Mosley, Charles Blakely, struggling financially and lacking motivation, rents his family's basement to Anniston Bennet, a wealthy white man seeking self-imprisonment as penance for his privileges. Through their interaction, Blakely is compelled to reflect on themes of race, power, and personal freedom. The book contains themes of race and racism.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
6,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Walter Mosley's The Man in My Basement offers a compelling narrative about power, identity, and redemption. Positive reviews praise its intense psychological exploration and Mosley's vivid character development. However, some critics argue that the pacing can be uneven and the ending somewhat predictable. Overall, the novel's thought-provoking themes make it a noteworthy read.
Who Should Read The Man in My Basement?
Readers who delve into psychological intrigue, complex characters, and moral ambiguity will appreciate Walter Mosley's The Man in My Basement. Fans of Richard Wright's Native Son or Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man will find thematic resonance in Mosley's work, which explores identity, race, and redemption in a gripping narrative.
6,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Man in My Basement is one of Walter Mosley's novels that diverges from his popular detective genre, showcasing his versatility as an author who explores complex psychological and philosophical themes.
Walter Mosley, known for his Easy Rawlins detective series, wrote The Man in My Basement as a standalone novel, which was published in 2004 and received critical acclaim for its deep exploration of identity and morality.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
The novel was developed into a screenplay, reflecting its engaging plot and character depth, although it has yet to be produced into a film.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
249
Novel • Fiction
Long Island, New York • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!