A review by nomonbooks
Finding Me by Viola Davis

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 
Daymn, this is intense. I knew nothing about Viola Davis when I started it other than seeing some movies and apparently, I also knew nothing about acting! 

 

I was so sad and the start of Viola’s life was so fraught. By the end I knew her and her family so well; and I laughed so much. It was euphoric. I listened to the audiobook, and it was read brilliantly – I mean, she’s a master of telling stories and who is better to tell her own? 

 

Also ugh. So, betraying my ignorance but it blew my mind that Viola contributed and changed the roles that she did. That she demanded Annelise Keating took off her wig in that first season of how to get away with murder. I never watched it all the way through (it was too silly! I was a law student! It was too much!) but I saw season 1, and I saw that scene. It was iconic. And real. And it’s one of those things - I don’t know if I registered that there was an actress behind the character. A team of people creating this work that centred a dark-skinned black woman. 

I don’t know, to be honest how much thought I gave to the creation and artistic collaboration that makes a film; or a series. But, I think after reading this I will watch things differently. I’m also going to watch a bunch of Viola Davis films. 

 

I also grapple with the journey of her father. Really really interesting to read. I don't quite know what to make of how to feel about it. But I don't have to, and Viola has, and that's good enough for me. 

 

Anyway, it was brilliant and taught me so so much. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings