44 pages 1 hour read

Colson Whitehead

The Intuitionist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead is set in a city resembling 1940s New York, where elevator inspectors are divided into Empiricists, who use mechanical testing, and Intuitionists, who rely on intuition. The story follows Lila Mae Watson, the first Black woman in the Department of Elevator Inspectors, as she navigates a power struggle triggered by an elevator accident, leading her on a quest involving secret blueprints for a perfect elevator.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist has been praised for its innovative narrative, blending mystery with social commentary on race and technology. Critics admire the novel's originality and thought-provoking themes. Some, however, find its complex plot and abstract style challenging. Overall, it offers a richly layered and compelling reading experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Intuitionist?

A reader who would enjoy The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead is likely captivated by literary fiction that blends mystery with reflections on race and society. Fans of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man or Paul Auster's The New York Trilogy will appreciate Whitehead's nuanced storytelling and thought-provoking themes.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

African American Literature

Themes

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Values/Ideas: Literature