The book is a fictional autobiography of a biracial man living in post-Reconstruction America. The protagonist, who is born to a white father and black mother, initially embraces his black heritage and becomes a successful ragtime musician. However, after witnessing a brutal racial attack, he decides to pass as white to avoid racial prejudice. Despite his financial success and comfortable life in white society, he struggles with his decision to deny his African-American heritage.
The 7916th greatest book of all time
