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A review by bookdragon217
Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"...because until then porches was like quicksand. The longer you was out on them, the more people saw you dyin."
Stories From the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana is my sleeper hit of 2022. I tried to take my time with this short story collection but after reading the intro I was hooked. The way these stories were neatly interconnected was perfection.
Stories set in NYC always warm my heart. This collection takes place in Harlem in Banneker Terrace, a low income building. Tenants are facing eviction due to rapid gentrification. The building is a community within itself and everyone knows each other. Each story gives you a glimpse into the lives of the people that make up this neighborhood and the ways they choose to thrive and survive. I loved that Fofana uses AAVE to give each character a unique and authentic Harlem voice. He introduces you to an unforgettable cast of Black characters with stories and experiences that oftentimes go unnoticed or ignored. Their full humanity is sprawled out on the pages.
This collection was powerful in the ways it showed the real people that are displaced when gentrification violently disrupts the lives of those already struggling to survive. There is a recurring theme of choices, the ones people choose or not choose to make, the unpopular and dangerous ones that are made and the ones that are almost forced upon some because of poverty and circumstance. He explores the ways that Black people construct their identities and what constitutes home. Fofana also shows how a failing, racist education system hurts Black kids. The book shows the ways you cling to family, community and hope when the world is violently trying to get rid of you and constantly telling you that you don't belong. "Lite Feet" was my favorite story tore my heart into pieces but honestly every single essay hit the mark for me.
This debut was stellar and I highly suggest you add this one to your personal libraries. I am immediately adding Fofana to my auto-buy list. He knocked this one out of the park.
Stories From the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana is my sleeper hit of 2022. I tried to take my time with this short story collection but after reading the intro I was hooked. The way these stories were neatly interconnected was perfection.
Stories set in NYC always warm my heart. This collection takes place in Harlem in Banneker Terrace, a low income building. Tenants are facing eviction due to rapid gentrification. The building is a community within itself and everyone knows each other. Each story gives you a glimpse into the lives of the people that make up this neighborhood and the ways they choose to thrive and survive. I loved that Fofana uses AAVE to give each character a unique and authentic Harlem voice. He introduces you to an unforgettable cast of Black characters with stories and experiences that oftentimes go unnoticed or ignored. Their full humanity is sprawled out on the pages.
This collection was powerful in the ways it showed the real people that are displaced when gentrification violently disrupts the lives of those already struggling to survive. There is a recurring theme of choices, the ones people choose or not choose to make, the unpopular and dangerous ones that are made and the ones that are almost forced upon some because of poverty and circumstance. He explores the ways that Black people construct their identities and what constitutes home. Fofana also shows how a failing, racist education system hurts Black kids. The book shows the ways you cling to family, community and hope when the world is violently trying to get rid of you and constantly telling you that you don't belong. "Lite Feet" was my favorite story tore my heart into pieces but honestly every single essay hit the mark for me.
This debut was stellar and I highly suggest you add this one to your personal libraries. I am immediately adding Fofana to my auto-buy list. He knocked this one out of the park.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Child death