Racism

Racism shapes the experiences of every major character in the novel, and the narrative treats it as a force that structures their choices, their sense of possibility, and their attempts to claim safety.

The book presents racism as a constant pressure that the characters try to navigate through talent, only to discover that no amount of individual success can create real protection. Their efforts reveal how the promise of exceptionalism functions as a fragile shield, one that can be withdrawn at any moment.

Soot’s habit of keeping a copy of his own book in his car is an attempt to manage encounters with authority by displaying evidence of cultural achievement. He wants the book to operate as a sign that he belongs to a category that police might treat with caution or respect. It shows his desire to rewrite the script that often governs interactions...