A review by askoda
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

5.0

What can I say? The Black Flamingo is for anyone who is struggling or struggled to fit in. This novel is for anyone who just wanted to find themselves and never felt “enough” for any of their possible identities. In other words, this novel is for everyone.

Atta flirts with the double standards of life. Stereotypes, homophobia, and racism are hung out to dry. Most importantly, Atta reminds readers that these still exist today and are not confined to southern regions of the United States- this is a global battle.

With prose, Atta perfectly emulates a modern coming of age story. He reminds readers that it truly does get better and promises their identities will be found. Most importantly, readers are left believing they too are worthy of acceptance no matter where or who they are in life.