The Edge of Whiteness

This book narrates a period of American history that I was not very familiar with and gives an insight into a difficult time for schools and colleges at the end of the 1960s. The previous year, there had been race riots in Brooklyn which shocked the world and in the aftermath, changes were needed if a repetition was to be avoided.Joe, who is of Italian extraction, is growing up in Roselle, a suburb of New Jersey, which is a mainly white area. Integration becomes the name of the game and black youngsters are brought in to the white schools in the hope that by combining the two, peace and harmony will ensue. Wrong. There is resentment on both sides and sometimes violent clashes occur and lines are drawn which should not be crossed. The atmosphere in Joe's school is edgy and the kids have to be on their guard at all times. Initially, Joe is on the side-lines of the action, being perceived as neither black nor white, due to his swarthy Italian complexion, but gradually he is drawn into the conflict. He is befriended by one of the toughest black boys and through their shared love of art, he gains both a friend and protector.To improve his physique and better defend himself, he takes boxing lessons. By chance, he encounters a girl and becomes enamoured, but the course of true love does not run smoothly. He changes his appearance, which shocks and amuses his family. He begins to dabble in drugs, then by chance he discovers a book which will change his outlook on life and further alienate him from his family and friends. The girl he loves re-appears in his life, but with disastrous consequences, and his whole world tumbles around him. Excellent book, written from the heart, a very enjoyable read.