A review by laurareads87
Rehearsals for Living by Robyn Maynard and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

challenging hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Rehearsals for Living is structured as a series of letters exchanged by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and Robyn Maynard. The focus of much of their discussion is the relationship between Black liberation and struggles against anti-Blackness with decolonization and Land Back; it is such a thoughtful, thought-provoking consideration of the ways that these struggles are intertwined on both more theoretical and very practical (as in, who’s showing up at which protests) senses. It is also a personal, intimate exchange in which they discuss their families, their home lives, and their personal struggles, putting into practice the relationality and community building they discuss. 100% wholeheartedly recommend. 

I purchased this book a few years ago (2022) and I don’t know why it sat on my e-reader waiting for me as long as it did. Given the context of it being written during the stay-at-home period of the pandemic, I do wish I’d read it sooner. This said, it absolutely remains relevant. 

Note: I read this book having read solo-authored texts by both authors previously. This context was helpful, but is absolutely not required (that said, I do recommend reading both!). 

Content warnings: discussions of racism, racial slurs, police brutality, colonialism, genocide, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, COVID pandemic 
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