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Strange Fruit (novel)

Strange Fruit AuthorLillian SmithCover artistRichard FloetheCountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglishPublisherReynal and HitchcockFebruary 29, 1944Media typePrintISBN0151857695
Strange Fruit is a 1944 bestselling novel debut by American author Lillian Smith that deals with the then-forbidden and controversial theme of interracial romance. Originally using the working title Jordan is so Chilly, Smith later changed the title to Strange Fruit prior to its publication. In her 1956 autobiography, singer Billie Holiday wrote that Smith chose to name the book after her 1939 song "Strange Fruit", which was about the lynching and racism against African Americans. Smith maintained the book's title referred to the "damaged, twisted people (both black and white) who are the products or results of our racist culture."

After the book's release, the book was banned in Boston and Detroit for "lewdness" and crude language. Strange Fruit was also banned from being mailed through the U.S. Postal Service until President Franklin D. Roosevelt interceded at his wife Eleanor's request.

Plot
Strange Fruit takes place in a Georgia town in the 1920s and focuses on the relationship between Tracy Deen, son of some prominent white townspeople, and Nonnie, a beautiful and intelligent young black woman whom he once rescued from attacking white boys. The two hold a secret affair, and Nonnie becomes pregnant with Tracy's child. Tracy secretly plans for her to marry "Big Henry", a man she despises, while he marries another white townsperson. He changes his mind after a conversation with a local preacher and intends to make his relationship with Nonnie public. Instead, he tells Nonnie of his original intent to have her wed to Big Henry, having paid him money to do so. Nonnie's brother learns of Big Henry's payments from Tracy and the reason behind Big Henry's impending wedding to Nonnie. This prompts Nonnie's brother to kill Tracy. When Tracy's body is discovered by Big Henry, Big Henry is accused of murder and is lynched.

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