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Apex Hides the Hurt

A humorous exploration of naming and identity

Colson Whitehead author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Little, Brown Book Group

Published:1st Mar '18

Should be back in stock very soon

Apex Hides the Hurt cover

In Apex Hides the Hurt, a town's quest for a new name uncovers deeper truths about identity and history, blending humor with poignant insights.

In Apex Hides the Hurt, the story unfolds in the town of Winthrop, where residents are grappling with the desire to rename their community. The initiative is sparked by a wealthy software entrepreneur who proposes the name 'New Prospera,' while the mayor advocates for a return to the original name chosen by the town's founding black settlers. Meanwhile, the local aristocracy sees no need for change, creating a clash of perspectives that highlights the complexities of identity and history within the town.

To navigate this contentious naming process, the town hires a nomenclature consultant, who soon discovers that his role is more significant than merely providing a new name. As he delves into the town's history and dynamics, he realizes that the name they choose will reflect deeper truths about their community. The narrative cleverly explores themes of identity and the influence of marketing in shaping perceptions, all while maintaining a brisk and comic tone.

Apex Hides the Hurt ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on how names and identities are intertwined, revealing that the quest for a new name may lead to unexpected revelations about who the residents are and where they come from. This engaging tale invites readers to reflect on the power of names and the stories they carry, making it a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

A brilliant, witty, and subtle novel, written in a most engaging style, with tremendous aptness of language and command of plot * New York Review of Books *
Brilliant. . . . Exhilarating. . . . What keeps you reading this critique of language is its language, and our perverse delight in the ingenious abuse of words -- New York Times

ISBN: 9780708898758

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 17mm

Weight: 208g

224 pages