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A review by fionag
Blonde Roots by Bernardine Evaristo
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was my first Evaristo, and I really enjoyed it.
Blonde Roots is a satire about what would’ve happened if white people were enslaved instead of black people.
The two perspectives of the book are both distinct and very different, and Evaristo’s writing style is unique and made the book feel oddly timeless.
Some of the satire felt a bit too on the nose for me (Coasta coffee) but I did laugh when Doris longed for the bland food of her country.
The book spans years and a lot goes on, showing experience of capture, domestic slavery and plantation life. I really liked how all the characters connected in some way.
The ending was very bittersweet, after all, slavery never ends well.
I really liked what Evaristo did with the book, though I’m not sure that it was more affective than a book about traditional slavery. I can understand though this Blond Roots will probably give some people a wider perspective and, because history is written by the victors, shows how easily things could’ve been different.
Really enjoyable read, will absolutely check out more of her books
Blonde Roots is a satire about what would’ve happened if white people were enslaved instead of black people.
The two perspectives of the book are both distinct and very different, and Evaristo’s writing style is unique and made the book feel oddly timeless.
Some of the satire felt a bit too on the nose for me (Coasta coffee) but I did laugh when Doris longed for the bland food of her country.
The book spans years and a lot goes on, showing experience of capture, domestic slavery and plantation life. I really liked how all the characters connected in some way.
The ending was very bittersweet, after all, slavery never ends well.
I really liked what Evaristo did with the book, though I’m not sure that it was more affective than a book about traditional slavery. I can understand though this Blond Roots will probably give some people a wider perspective and, because history is written by the victors, shows how easily things could’ve been different.
Really enjoyable read, will absolutely check out more of her books
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Violence and Torture
Minor: Sexual assault