The Living Is Easy
The Living Is Easy
Book Brief
Beta376
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1910s
1948
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Living Is Easy by Dorothy West explores the life of a woman named Cleo in early 20th-century Boston. Cleo, a resourceful individual, navigates issues of race, class, and family dynamics. Her ambition drives her efforts to secure a prosperous life, revealing the complexities of her relationships and the societal challenges she faces.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
759 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dorothy West's The Living Is Easy offers a vivid exploration of class and race in early 20th-century America. Critics praise its rich character development and the nuanced portrayal of social dynamics. However, some find its pacing uneven. Overall, its historical insight and engaging narrative make it a compelling read for those interested in African American literature and history.
Who Should Read The Living Is Easy?
A reader who relishes rich narratives about race, class, and gender in early 20th-century Boston will enjoy The Living Is Easy by Dorothy West. Fans of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye will appreciate the novel's nuanced exploration of ambition and identity.
759 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dorothy West wrote The Living Is Easy during a transformative period of her life, after returning from Europe as one of the last surviving members of the Harlem Renaissance.
The Living Is Easy, published in 1948, is often praised for its detailed portrayal of the often-untold experiences and social dynamics of the African American upper class in early 20th-century Boston.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Although not as widely recognized during her lifetime as some of her contemporaries, Dorothy West gained renewed attention in the 1990s, partly thanks to the advocacy and appreciation of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who helped get West's second novel published.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
376
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1910s
1948
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!