A Right to Die by Rex Stout (Mystery)

If you’ve never read a Nero Wolfe novel, this one would actually be a pretty good place to start. Reading any popular novel written in 1964 that deals explicitly with race and racism is always going to be taking a chance, and Rex Stout (or at least his characters) aren’t particularly enlightened on the subject, by modern’s standards. Surprisingly, A Right to Die tackles civil rights and interracial marriage head-on, and although it doesn’t really come to any conclusions, I’m still somewhat impressed. A Right to Die also compares favourably with other Wolfe mysteries, although the way Wolfe figures out the case is a little strange–I’m not sure where Rex Stout was going with it.

I managed to snag a used copy (in really excellent condition) of the first edition, and I absolutely love the cover. All in all, a very pleasing purchase.

Tags: 50 Book Challenge 2008, A ~ Z Reading Challenge, Nero Wolfe, Rex Stout