46 pages • 1 hour read
Colson WhiteheadSag Harbor
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead follows the experiences of Benji Cooper, a 15-year-old Black male, during the summer of 1985 as he spends his vacation at Azurest, a historically Black beach resort in Sag Harbor, New York. The novel captures his efforts to reinvent himself, his interactions with friends, grappling with family tensions, and moments of self-discovery. The source material features depictions of racism, sexism, bullying, and vulgar language, as well as parental neglect that includes alcoholism, fat-shaming, and verbal abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Colson Whitehead's Sag Harbor is widely praised for its evocative prose, nostalgic tone, and vivid depiction of a Black teenager's coming-of-age in the 1980s. Critics commend its humor and cultural references but note a slow plot. The deeply personal narrative and richly realized setting are standout elements, though some find the pacing uneven.
Who Should Read Sag Harbor?
A reader who would enjoy Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead is likely drawn to coming-of-age tales that explore identity and self-discovery. Fans of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd will appreciate its nostalgic, introspective narrative and its richly developed characters.