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thebooklovingpanda's review against another edition
4.0
The fact is that plurality, polyvocality, multiplicity - however we describe it - functions to counterbalance invisibility and reductionist stereotyping.4.8 stars
I loved how many different perspectives this anthology collects, and the multivocality it makes space for on the experience of being a Black woman, today, in the past, looking to the future. This anthology perfectly illustrates the complex danger of stereotypes and how it puts undue pressure on people to act a certain way - especially when you don't want to play into a stereotype but also want to be true to your natural personality. Some essays were 'tighter' with a clear theme while others were more meandering, but all were fascinating. While all are thoughtful essays, I did tend to find the former category easier to follow.
Many anecdotes, ideas and experiences in these essays really resonated, and I definitely became aware of points I'd not previously considered, for example the racism in the Western media's reporting of the apparent negative health effects of an Afro-Caribbean diet as opposed to analysing systemic health inequalities (as discussed in Kuba Shand-Baptiste's essay).
Here's a few of my favourite quotes:
Not every change needs to begin with a fanfare.
- Candice Brathwaite
The best black complex is the materialisation of a Darwinian 'survival of the fittest' mode that black people develop in corporate spaces, which falsely encourages us to believe that only other black individuals are our competitors. Why? Because white mediocrity does not exist: societal structures does not allow whiteness to be mediocre.
...[T]he idea of hyper(in)visibility where black individuals are seen as a hyper-visible, indivisible collective (the 'other') and individuality is reserved as a privilege of whiteness.
- Elisabeth Fapuro
This is the dance of history, with progressive leaps forward being met with vicious opposition from those wishing to keep the status quo.
- Jendella Benson
I've had enough of the consumption of Black grief, pain, sorrow and strife. Striving for Black joy must be central in our quest. It is foundational for any vision of freedom.
- Siana Bangura
Taking my time with this anthology helped me absorb the essays better than if I'd binged the whole book, so personally I'd recommend reading a couple essays at a time, letting them sink in (maybe ruminate on the ideas a little) before beginning the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fourth Estate for an eARC for an honest review.
swifteagle's review against another edition
4.0
hadleysavage's review against another edition
4.5
readwithkapz's review against another edition
5.0
This anthology consists of essays detailing the various perspectives and realities of Black British women.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
Particularly the individualism of each chapter and how each author unpacks the impact of stereotypes on Black women.
As a Black man, this book really opened my eyes and taught me a lot.
I really liked the way Elisabeth Fapuro explored the notion of Black excellence and the absence of a Black middle class.
Eunice Olumide thoroughly delves into the depictions of Black women within society, looking at the social ramifications of such depictions and how Black women are exploited.
I really found Fiona Rutherford’s essay on financial literacy and Independence thought-provoking.
Kuchenga shed light on the experiences of Black trans women very well, particularly with regards to the lack of safe spaces and impact of misogyny.
I enjoyed reading the essay written by Princess Peace in which she examines the impact of xenophobia and family pressures.
Sophia Thakur articulates herself very well in her essay, championing the importance of Black women embracing their roots, culture and blackness.
Temi Mwale also raises pertinent points with regards to youth violence and growing up in marginalised communities.
For me this book is a necessary and timeless read.
Definitely a book for your collection and one that a lot of people need to read.
k_lupin's review against another edition
5.0
chloemills's review against another edition
3.0
I will say I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second half, I do wonder if it might have been good to group the essays by similar themes or ideas, I ended up getting mixed up with who wrote what. That said, I learnt a lot while reading this, things I would never know from experience. As a white woman reading, it gave me more insight into what it means to be a black woman and reaffirmed why we need to make sure feminism is inclusive of all women and their experiences.
This was a 3.5 star read from me, worth a read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and authors for the opportunity to review.
thevivifriend's review against another edition
5.0
youpie's review against another edition
4.5
viciaufgrosserfahrt's review against another edition
4.0
courtney2508's review against another edition
4.5