"The Reformatory" - Summary

Due paints a visceral picture of the brutal realities faced by young Black boys in the Jim Crow era. The reformatory becomes a microcosm of societal injustice, where children are subjected to forced labor, physical abuse, and constant fear under the guise of reformation. Robbie's experience exposes the systemic racism that allowed institutions like Gracetown to exist and thrive on the suffering of innocent lives.

Even in the darkest depths of the reformatory, glimmers of hope emerge. Robbie finds solace in his friendships with fellow inmates, Redbone and Blue, who teach him the unspoken rules of survival. Beyond the barbed wire fences, his sister Gloria wages a tireless campaign to secure his release, showcasing the unyielding love and determination that fuel their fight for justice.

Robbie's ability to see "haints" adds a chilling supernatural layer to the narrative. These ghostly figures, however, are more than just specters; they are echoes of the reformatory's brutal past, bearing witness to the suffering and injustice inflicted within its walls. Their presence underscores the enduring trauma of the past and the need to confront the hidden truths buried within history.