Reviews

Disgruntled by Asali Solomon

melanietownsend's review against another edition

3.0

I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the first part. It's the story of a black girl growing up in the 80s with revolutionary parents. It's well written with several funny minutes. But as I went through the book I kept thinking the men were jerks and the women were idiots. I kept hoping for someone to break out of the pattern. In the end, though. I think I'm just too much of a sucker for happy endings. Or at least conclusive endings. The ending was ambiguous.

crankylibrarian's review against another edition

3.0

Kenya, the daughter of an Afrocentric intellectual and a class conscious librarian in 1980s and 90s Philadelphia, struggles to find a sense of self as she negotiates race and class divisions, and her disintegrating family. Solomon provides a strong sense of place and time to the novel, and an intriguing cast of unpredictable characters.

bmont0044's review against another edition

4.0

4 stars. Ending was a little disappointing

jackiepreston's review

reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

nafpaktitism's review against another edition

4.0

Such a nuanced, beautifully written, coming of age story. At times humorous, at times poignant, always compelling.

melannrosenthal's review

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

msilkwolfe's review against another edition

4.0

This was my first book by Asali Solomon, and I really liked it! It was a great portrayal of how complicated family relationships can be, especially for Haitian-Americans living in suburban Philadelphia. The stories about the butler were confusing, and it wrapped up in a strange way, I feel like.

christinalepre's review

4.0

I heard an author interview on Fresh Air and knew right away that I would love this book; indeed, I read most of it in 24 hours. This is a captivating coming of age story about the type of character we don't see enough in the traditional (i.e., white male [yawn]) coming of age genre: a young women of color growing up in Philadelphia in the late 80s/90s, not so many years before my own coming of age. Kenya's parents are activists who want their daughter to grow up feeling confident and strong, never feeling "the shame of being alive." This shame is something Solomon returns to throughout the story of Kenya's childhood and teenage years as she tries to navigate the world of a mostly white/rich private school, a difficult family life, and the lessons about being black in America that her parents tried so hard to instill. Recommended.

sandyd's review against another edition

5.0

Kind of dark but funny and compelling coming-of-age story about a young African-American girl in Philadelphia in the late 1980's-early 90's. It's hard to know how much of it is autobiographical - but regardless, it's a great story with really interesting characters. I want a sequel now!

timshel's review against another edition

3.0

Here's the thing with this book: it lacks focus. It's an easy read and mildly enjoyable, the characters have potential. Parts of the story are certainly interesting and could stand on their own if given the time. But in this coming-of-age story, events are too quickly swept away and forgotten; a new direction is given and zoom, years pass by. The story lacks clear purpose, and though this may reflect the protagonist's issues with her own identity, it does not make for a good story.

Certainly there is considerable talent shown in Disgruntled. The story is heartbreaking, riveting, and even funny at times. The characters could have brought things together if only I'd known their destination. I believe with a tighter story, Solomon could shine. She had me at moments, but in the end, I just felt lost.