A review by kieranhanlon
Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall

3.0

Learning that I have a hard time reading accents (yes I’m white, thank you for noticing) and it’s diminishing my ability to comprehend dialogue, which this book was heavy on. There were many monologues which always make me glaze over. However, this book is written really well and tugs on complex family relationships - especially in the midst of racism and financial hardship - relating mostly to the plight of women expected to maintain domestic responsibilities even when working. I’m glad I read this book as an adult because as a child I would have despised the mother character, but as an adult I found relatability and empathy. Probably wouldn’t read again as I didn’t find the characters likable, but overall a good read.