“A captivatingly humorous novel by Percival Everett, challenging conventions on race, class, and identity in the American context
I made peace with my fate, embracing the roles of a risk-taker, an adventurer, a warrior. I understood my position in the world. I became a fighter against imaginary enemies. I became a pursuer of unattainable goals. I became Not Sidney Poitier.
Not Sidney Poitier finds himself in a bizarre country after the untimely demise of his mother when he was just eleven years old. Left with a peculiar name, a striking resemblance to the famous actor, and a substantial stake in the Turner Broadcasting Corporation, his life takes unexpected turns.
Percival Everett’s delightful new book traces Not Sidney’s tumultuous journey, where societal norms struggle to reconcile his skin color with his immense fortune. Growing up under the loose supervision of his adoptive father, Ted Turner, Not Sidney experiences getting arrested in rural Georgia for driving while black, triggers chaos at his girlfriend’s home, and delves into solving a murder in Smut Eye, Alabama, all while grappling with the recurring question: “What’s your name?” a child would inquire. “Not Sidney,” I would reply. “Then what is it?”” (Goodreads)
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“Left an orphan with considerable wealth at the age of ten, Pauline Quenu is relocated from Paris to dwell with her relatives, Monsieur and Madame Chanteau and their son Lazare, in the village of Bonneville on the rugged Normandy coast. Her presence brings vitality to the household, and Pauline becomes the sole solace for Chanteau’s gout-induced suffering. Her zest for life stands in stark contrast to the family’s insularity and pessimism, particularly igniting a fervent passion in Lazare. However, Madame Chanteau begins to take advantage of Pauline’s kindness, leading to jealousy and resentment that threaten to cloud their lives. The arrival of a charming family friend, Louise, intensifies tensions.
The twelfth installment in the Rougon Macquart series, The Bright Side of Life is noteworthy for its portrayal of intense emotions and physical as well as mental anguish. The precarious setting of Bonneville and the fluctuating moods of the sea symbolize the tumultuous relationships among the characters, giving deeper meaning to the book’s title as the story progresses.” (Goodreads)
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“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is a gothic masterpiece filled with tempestuous passions and dark secrets. This edition in Penguin Classics is edited with an introduction and notes by Stevie Davis.
The novel follows the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who endures loneliness and cruelty in the home of her heartless aunt. Her challenging childhood instills in her a sense of independence and spirit, which become crucial when she becomes a governess to the young ward of the brooding Mr. Rochester. As Jane’s feelings for Rochester deepen, she unravels a terrible secret at Thornfield Hall, forcing her to make a life-changing decision. Will she stay with Rochester and face the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves? Jane Eyre is a compelling tale of power, intrigue, and a woman’s quest for equality and freedom.
“Shame on Me” by Tessa McWatt
In “Shame On Me,” Tessa McWatt explores the complex question of identity often posed to people of color by white individuals – “What are you?” Through her own experiences and family history, McWatt delves into her multicolored heritage, weaving together strands of English, Scottish, Caribbean, Portuguese, Indian, Amerindian, French, African, Chinese, and Canadian ancestry. She dissects her identity, incorporating literature and history to craft a nuanced analysis of race debates today. This poignant exploration invites readers to reflect on the intricate tapestry of personal and collective identity.
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