A review by kmardahl
Sassafrass, Cypress and Indigo by Ntozake Shange

5.0

The writing in this book is sheer poetry. I remember Ntozake Shange's name from years ago, but I don't remember in what connection. This book popped up on my radar recently and I thought I would go for it. I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Allyson Johnson, which was very good. The story captivated me. I am not the intended audience, but I listened because that is what I should do. The book is originally from 1982 so it was also an interesting look at the past that I remembered (somewhat), but definitely from a different angle. The book is about three very strong daughters and their lives. Indigo is only in the first part of the book, but I wish there was more about her. The lives of the older sisters Sassafras and Cypress are rather complex due to all the challenges that they are facing. That doesn't mean that the book is hard to read there. It just means that wow! They have a lot of things to deal with, and it hurt to read these issues (meaning issues facing a black woman in a systemically racist society). I am not sure I want to read her play because I simply don't enjoy reading plays. I am glad I got to meet the author in this book instead. Despite being written in 1982, which is mostly recognisable through mentions of a few historical events, the book is probably still very relevant today, unfortunately.