X: A NOVEL is a work of historical fiction about the early life of Malcolm X, written by Kekla Magoon and Ilyasah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X’s daughters. As a reader, it can be difficult to remember that you’re reading a work of fiction and not privileged information; afterall, much of the work is accurate and the authors no doubt strove to make it as factual as possible. However, it is classified as fiction because there are just some things that can’t be known, such as specific conversations and interactions that Malcolm X had.

"After finishing the book, I feel like I know Malcolm X as a person. I can see the strands and events in his life that led him to become the leader that he was."

Prior to reading X: A NOVEL, I felt like I knew an average amount about Malcolm X’s life, work and death. However, I was also aware of the gaps in my knowledge about this historic figure, which prompted me to want to read and review this book. After finishing the book, I feel like I know Malcolm X as a person. I can see the strands and events in his life that led him to become the leader that he was.I also feel more knowledgeable about the different time periods that he lived through; Shabazz and Magoon provide vivid descriptions of the people, events and places that are part of Malcolm X’s early life. Additionally, the authors provide a brief historical context of 1925 to 1965 at the end of the book, which further situates Malcolm X within the time period.

Learning about Malcolm X’s life was one of my favorite parts of X: A NOVEL, but perhaps more than that I loved the language of the book. I am not one to mark novels as I read, but there were several pages that I had to mark because the language itself spoke to me. It is not clear how Shabazz and Magoon divided the writing, but they make an incredible team.

And of course, X: A NOVEL is simply a great story. I believe that it will appeal to those interested in Malcolm X as well as those who just enjoy a fantastic work of historical fiction.