Not Without Laughter

Focusing on the coming-of-age journey of Sandy Rogers, a young African American boy in a predominantly white Kansas town, this novel explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and social challenges in early 20th-century America. Through Sandy's relationships with his mother, grandmother, and aunts, Langston Hughes vividly portrays the complexities of black life and the impact of race in a divided society. The narrative not only highlights personal struggles but also reflects broader cultural and historical contexts, establishing Hughes as a significant literary voice.