"Kingsblood Royal" is a novel by Sinclair Lewis that explores themes of race and identity. The story follows the life of a white man, Neil Kingsblood, who discovers he has African ancestry. This revelation forces him to confront the realities of racial prejudice and his own beliefs about race. As he grapples with his newfound identity, he faces significant challenges in his personal and professional life, including the judgment of his community and the impact on his family relationships.
The novel delves into the societal attitudes towards race in mid-20th century America. Lewis uses Neil's journey to highlight the hypocrisies and injustices within a racially divided society. The author cleverly critiques the notion of racial superiority and the arbitrary nature of racial classification, challenging readers to reconsider their own perceptions of race.