A review by zoemig
I've Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter by David Chariandy

5.0

Brother was one of the most powerful books I read last year, so I was very interested when I learned about I've Been Meaning To Tell You by David Chariandy, a non-fiction memoir/essay/letter to his daughter by the same author. Like Brother, this is a short but incredibly powerful book, with a sharp awareness and honesty about the world. It is a beautiful letter to a daughter, but at the same time, so much more. Of course, it reminded me of Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (reviewed here), although the focus of Chariandy's book deals more with race and less with feminism. However, like Adichie, Chariandy's book is bigger than its title. I especially enjoyed the passages relating to Chariandy's parents coming to Canada from Trinidad as well as his own story of growing up. I also really appreciated Chariandy's discussion of some of the issues Canada faces, which I don't often find represented in books. Overall, I've Been Meaning To Tell You is introspective, heartfelt, honest and an absolute must-read.