Not Without Laughter

Langston Hughes, long recognized as a major American poet and an influential force in African-American literature, brought to this, his first novel, the lyricism, humor, and sureness of touch that characterizes his award-winning poetry. This story reflects the joys and hardships of an African-American boy growing to manhood. A shining star of the Harlem Renaissance movement, Langston Hughes is one of modern literature's most revered African American authors.

Although best known for his poetry, Hughes produced in Not Without Laughter a powerful and pioneering classic novel. This stirring coming-of-age tale unfolds in 1930s rural Kansas. A poignant portrait of African American family life in the early twentieth century, it follows the story of young Sandy Rogers as he grows from a boy to a man.

We meet Sandy's mother, Annjee, who works as a housekeeper for a wealthy white family; his strong-willed grandmother, Hager; Jimboy, Sandy's father, who travels the country looking for work; Aunt Tempy, the social climber; and Aunt Harriet, the blues singer who has turned away from her faith. A fascinating chronicle of a family's joys and hardships, Not Without Laughter is a vivid exploration of growing up and growing strong in a racially divided society. A rich and important work, it masterfully echoes the black American experience.