Sonny's Blues

Sonny's Blues - James Baldwin

      Sonny's Blues is a story about two brothers and how their relationship has changed over time. The narrator's younger brother Sonny has been arrested for heroin use and is sent to prison. The narrator teaches algebra in Harlem, and he reminisces on how his brother used to be as a child, not so different from his students that he has now. The narrator feels icy towards his brother, not understanding why he has turned to drugs and crime. The narrator and his brother were not speaking terms, and the narrator does not contact his brother until after his daughter Gracie has died. Sonny replies back with a heartfelt letter to his brother trying to explain his struggle and how his life has become the way it is now. 

     As the brothers continue to communicate and as Sonny visits the narrator and his wife Isabel, old memories of the past are brought to light. The narrator has flashbacks of his late father and mother, and how he learns that his father once had a brother that was killed. The narrator's mother makes him promise to always hold on to his brother and look out for him, even when they disagree. She says "You may not be able to to stop nothing from happening. But you got to let him know you's there." His mother's advice suggests that he should be responsible for being a good brother, as well as a friend or someone who will provide Sonny with love and support. 

     The narrator and his brother don't interact again until after the death of their mother, and he is surprised to see that Sonny is a grown up. Sonny confesses his dream of being a musician, and the narrator disregards his future plans because he doesn't think they are good enough. Sonny skips school and runs away to go into the navy. The brothers meet in New York after Sonny returns and get into an argument that leaves them dead to each other. The narrator leaves saying that Sonny will need him someday. 

      When Sonny is released from prison after his arrest, he lives with his brother for a few weeks and the narrator starts to connect more with his brother. The brothers talk about struggle and suffering together, both adding their insight. "But nobody just takes it, Sonny cried, That's what I'm telling you. Everybody tries not to. You're just hung up on the way some people try- its not your way!" Sonny takes the narrator to a club to hear him play, and the narrator sees a whole different side to his brother. The narrator sees Sonny's struggle and pain while he plays his song, and starts to understand the way that music tells the musicians personal story and gives others a chance to really "hear" it.

      I personally loved this story, and I think that it brings to light the suffering and struggle that comes with drug addiction and how it impacts family members. It also uses time as a motif, going back and forth between the past and the present and contrasting how things are different at different points in life. The importance of supporting your family and being there can really make the difference, and realizing and respecting differences can teach you things that you didn't know before. I also loved that Baldwin connected listening and hearing on an emotional level through music to stir up feeling and emotions in the reader. Overall great read!