Study Tools
“Sonny’s Blues” is a 1957 short story by James Baldwin that explores the complex relationship between two brothers, Sonny and the unnamed narrator
. Set in Harlem, the narrative delves into Sonny’s struggles with addiction and the narrator’s attempts to understand and support him. Through jazz music, the brothers find a common ground to express their pain. The story reflects on themes of family, redemption, and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.Read the full story summary, an in-depth character analysis of the narrator, and explanations of important quotes from “Sonny’s Blues.”