This Fresh Air interview focuses on Colson Whitehead's novel *The Nickel Boys*, a fictionalized account of the Dozier School for Boys in Florida, where numerous abuses occurred. The conversation begins with a reading from the book, followed by a discussion of Whitehead's research process and the historical context of the school, including the leasing of students to local businesses. Whitehead shares personal experiences that informed his writing, such as being wrongly detained by police as a teenager, highlighting the vulnerability of young people of color. The interview concludes with reflections on the novel's themes of optimism versus pragmatism in the face of systemic racism and the author's perspective on racial progress in America. A key takeaway is the revelation of the brutal conditions at Dozier, including beatings and unmarked graves, emphasizing the lasting trauma experienced by survivors.
