Reviews

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus

Only show reviews with written explanations

halieghkai's review against another edition

4.0

I'm a Trinidadian, so when I read the synopsis and saw that one of the characters, (Audre) is also a Trini, I was sold! Not gonna lie, I started this book with the expectation that it's going to be a vanilla romance between two queer Black girls, but boy was I proven wrong. In the first few chapters, I resonated heavily, being a witchy, queer black girl myself from Trinidad where homophobia is sadly prevalent, I appreciated that Junauda P. didn't sugarcoat the reality of the country and in portraying the food, culture, and people beautifully. Also, I appreciated the way she didn't westernize Audre's patios in the dialogues, a bit over-done, still, I couldn't help but read Audre's dialogues in my own Trini accent lol. Audre and Mable from two different worlds, nationalities yet they intertwined so well. Each chapter is a window to their perspectives, to see their struggles, fears, love, and tears which allowed me to appreciate their development from malice to mirth. Audre being the sweet, bold, and curious witchy girl who was ostracized by her mother was a sad part to read, but beyond that, I'm so grateful she had the most iconic grandmother, Queenie there to aid and guide her to greatness. The transition from Island life to city living and the city being Minneapolis showed the irony given the current state affairs with the protests for the Black Lives Movement. I understood Audre's reaction, given the circumstances too. The relationship between her and her father, a rough patch then seeds grew, it was wonderful to witness. Mable, the cool, mellow, and sweet, Whitney Houston stan, I adore her too. The way Junauda foreshadowed her fate in the initial chapters, couldn't prepare me for that dread revelation. I cried, yes, knowing the possibilities, both good and bad, yet still, I read with the hope for a miracle, but the author kept it real and I had to respect that regardless. The rest of the book was a surge of emotion and makes the reader appreciate life through these characters' lives. This leads to Afua and his story which sadly, correlates with the realities of black men in America. Mable and Afua's connection through their fate, forced me to sit in silence because I was, so unprepared when I thought I was, given the number of chapters I had already read by then. Maybe it's a sheer reminder of life itself. This book was beyond vanilla romance, it was a romance with death and life beyond the stars. I recommend this book if you have patience, love astrology, and love to feel.

youngthespian42's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I read this book for a book club and I loved it. For me the main role of a book club is to get me to read books I would never read on my own. This book was that but so much more. The characters are so rich, the cultures this book exposes you to are so beautiful, and the story is so lovely. This book takes place in the Minneapolis metro which is where I have lived for 10 years was just a cherry on top. Do not let the YA or romance label of this book fool you. This book is literary and powerful.

jacbom17's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book is so special. I absolutely loved following mabel and audre. There was so much wisdom and love between them. This book is magical. Magical realism i saw someone say, i agree. It's so easy to read yet thought provoking and powerful. The writing is beautiful. The characters were developed so well it was easy to relate to them. I feel inspired and connected and whole :)