Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

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

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.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
May 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
May 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
May 10, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
May 10, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
May 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 8, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 8, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 7, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 7, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
April 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
January 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
January 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 24, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
Israel's Prime Minister says the intense phase of the war in Gaza will end soon as Israel and the U.S. argue over weapons deliveries.
June 3, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
After Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first woman to win Mexico's presidential election, a look at what that means for U.S. relations.
Active loading indicator