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PBS News Hour

Colson Whitehead on 'The Nickel Boys,' fantasy vs. realism

Season 2019 Episode 222 | 7m 11s

Pulitzer-winning author Colson Whitehead’s latest novel, “The Nickel Boys,” is based on the true story of a boys’ reform school in the Florida Panhandle that became notorious for horrific abuse. Jeffrey Brown sat down with Whitehead recently to discuss why the topic drew him in, the choice between realism and fantasy in his books, his evolving career and worries about the American cultural moment.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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