Chester Himes started writing in prison in the 20s for armed robbery. After he was released on parole he gained recognition, started work as novelist and wrote the powerfully, angry novel If he Hollers let him Go (go read it now!). He was reputedly sacked as a screen writer for being black, then turned his back on the USA and moved to France in the 50s, where his popularity was high. During this time he tried and failed to get Yesterday will make you cry published and instead turned to the more lucrative detective fiction. Eventually after many rewrites it was published as Cast the First Stone but luckily (and posthumously) the original saw the light of day.

Not only is it a hard hitting, instense and powerful story looking at prison life in the 50s, it is also a deeper look at disechanted youth. Split into 3 parts with a the harsh story of prison life bookending the middle section showing an angry, intelligent, self centered guy who blows all his chances for instead quick and easy excitement. Whilst thstructure lessens the impact of the constant daily fight that depth more than makes up for it, it is an honest and unflinching look as well as a dramatic one.

Historically its fascinating, maybe more so as you know its based on Himes actual life but it also resonates today. It's not harshness that stood out for me but the loss of freedom and lack of direction, the loneliness and desperation and also the hope. All darkness needs light. Take the part where the story looks at how stories helped and hindered the long stay at prison its both disturbing and wonderufl at the same time. ( )

This is a much revised version of the orginal story [Yesterday will make you cry]. However good this was I urge you to read the authors intended story 1st.

Chester Himes writes (when he desires) raw, powerful, disturbing novels. Cast the First Stone was a brilliant, simmering story and with that it in mind I was overjoyed to find this book, loosely based on his experience in prison for armed robbery in the 20s/30s.

I really wasn't disappointed, this story encompasses the horror and loneliness of a 20 year stretch. You can actually feel the unremitting hopelessness; the pettiness and the boredom interspersed with extreme violence. Himes and therefore his character witness some pretty horrible stuff, the prison fire is an eye opener to hell. However its not really too bleak, there is hope too as eventually finds a way out, but utlimately it feels real. The protagonist does not become a saint and runs the full gammit of emotion but in the end you feel a change is possible, his life isnt futile after all.

Of course it had its problems; With one eye on the era (50s) I forgave the toned down (oddly platonic) homsexual relationship and read between the lines. It tended to meander at times too, which life would being in prison for so long but in a tight 1st person story I think it was too noticeable. ( )