The Street

Ann Petry

The Street by Ann Petry is a compelling novel set in 1940s Harlem, following the life of Lutie Johnson, a single Black mother striving to create a better life for herself and her young son, Bub. Lutie, determined to rise above poverty, navigates the challenges of her environment, where systemic racism, sexism, and economic hardship hinder her at every turn. As she works tirelessly to achieve stability and dignity, Lutie becomes entangled in the harsh realities of urban life, from the predatory advances of her apartment building’s super to the daily struggles of making ends meet in a society stacked against her.

Petry’s novel explores the complex intersections of race, class, and gender, painting a vivid portrait of a woman who refuses to succumb to her circumstances despite overwhelming odds. Lutie’s journey is a haunting reflection of the limitations placed on Black women in mid-20th-century America, showcasing how societal pressures and structural injustices can twist even the strongest aspirations. With rich, atmospheric descriptions and a powerful narrative, The Street captures the resilience of a woman determined to survive, even when the world seems designed to keep her trapped.