Racism

Hornby exposes the racism which is prevalent in the U.K. Joseph fixates on the idea of racism and becomes obsessed with holding Lucy accountable for the misdeeds of all white people. As a result, Lucy becomes increasingly aware of the discrimination black people face but also feels the need to walk on eggshells around her boyfriend.

The most overt discrimination Joseph faces in the novel would be when he is searched by the police for no reason. Oddly enough, it is Lucy who is so shocked and upset after the incident. Joseph maintains a cool head and tries to downplay the whole thing. He explains to Lucy that racial discrimination is so common that he would go crazy if he let himself get upset over every racist person. Joseph says, “The police? It pisses me off but then I think of what it’s like...