Charles Perry (author) facts for kids
Charles Perry (1924–1969) was an African American writer. He is best known for his only published novel, Portrait of a Young Man Drowning. Charles Perry was born in Savannah, Georgia. When he was still in grade school, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York. In the 1940s, he was a co-star in a popular radio show called New World A-Coming.
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About His Famous Novel
Portrait of a Young Man Drowning is Charles Perry's most famous work. The story was inspired by his own research into the lives of young people in his Brooklyn neighborhood and the challenges they faced. The novel is a tribute to Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce.
What is Portrait of a Young Man Drowning About?
The novel is told from the first person point of view. It follows the story of a young man named Harold. Harold gets caught up in the tough parts of life in Brooklyn while living with his strict mother. When it was first published in 1962, the book was considered very important. It was one of the first novels written in the first person by a Black author that featured a white main character.
From Book to Film
Years later, Portrait of a Young Man Drowning was made into a movie. The film was released in 1997 and was called Six Ways to Sunday.
Other Works and Life
Charles Perry also began writing another book. This book was a very personal story about the sad death of his young son. He titled this unfinished work I Wake Up Screaming. Besides writing, Perry also worked in films. He appeared in more than 30 movies, mostly in smaller roles. Charles Perry passed away in 1969 from cancer.
