Percival Everett
Percival Everett is an American author and distinguished professor of English at the University of Southern California. Known for his satirical and experimental style, Everett has written novels, short stories, and poetry that often explore themes of identity, culture, and the human condition. His notable works include 'Erasure', 'I Am Not Sidney Poitier', and 'Percival Everett by Virgil Russell'. Everett has received numerous literary awards, including the PEN Center USA Award for Fiction and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Erasure
This novel follows a successful African-American academic and author who, frustrated by the publishing industry's expectations and stereotypes around black literature, pens a satirical novel under a pseudonym. The novel becomes a huge success, forcing him to grapple with the unexpected consequences of his critique on the industry. He is also dealing with personal issues, including the disappearance of his sister and his mother's declining health. It's a complex exploration of identity, race, and the literary world.
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2. Damned If I Do
This novel delves into the complex life of a protagonist who is a highly skilled emergency room doctor, grappling with the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with the territory of his profession. Beyond the high-stakes environment of the ER, he faces personal challenges, including a strained relationship with his son and the haunting memories of his deceased wife. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, all while showcasing the protagonist's journey towards understanding and acceptance amidst the myriad challenges he faces. Through a blend of sharp wit and profound insights, the story examines the intricate balance between life and death, and the inevitable consequences of the choices we make.
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3. I Am Not Sidney Poitier
This novel is a satirical and surreal journey through the life of its protagonist, Not Sidney Poitier, a young black man who bears an uncanny resemblance to the famous actor Sidney Poitier. Despite his wealth inherited from his mother, Not Sidney faces a series of bizarre and racially charged adventures across the American South, which mirror plots of Sidney Poitier’s films. Through encounters with characters both absurd and malevolent, the narrative explores themes of identity, race, and society’s expectations, all while blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and questioning the very nature of existence and personal agency.
