“The novel How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue opens with the narrative of the fictional African village of Kosawa, where people face environmental devastation caused by an American oil company. The villagers experience infertility in farmlands due to pipeline spills, toxic water leading to children’s deaths, and broken promises of clean-up and reparations. The corrupt government, under a dictator, prioritizes self-interest. In response, the villagers of Kosawa choose to fight back, enduring a prolonged and costly struggle.”(Goodreads)
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“The compelling story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian—a woman who rose to power in New York while harboring a significant secret to pursue her ambitions, co-authored by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, both acclaimed writers.
When Belle da Costa Greene is appointed by J. P. Morgan in her youth to manage a collection of rare materials for the Pierpont Morgan Library, she becomes a prominent figure in New York’s social circles and the art and literary realms, lauded for her discerning eye and skilled negotiations in acquiring important works, contributing to the library’s prestige.
Although successful, Belle guards a hidden truth about her identity. Born Belle Marion Greener, her father, Richard Greener, the first Black Harvard graduate and a civil rights activist, raised her. Her perceived white passing comes from her claimed Portuguese heritage, concealing her African American roots.” (Goodreads description)
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“Lorraine Hansberry’s play, “A Raisin in the Sun”, delves into the dreams and struggles of a working-class family in Chicago, resonating deeply with the African American community and leaving a lasting impact on American theater. The title is inspired by a line from Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem,” suggesting the consequences of deferred dreams.” (Goodreads)
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“”East of Eden” is a gripping saga set in California’s Salinas Valley, tracing the intertwined fates of the Trask and Hamilton families, mirroring the biblical tales of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. Steinbeck portrays complex characters grappling with love, identity, and the consequences of actions, creating a profound narrative.” (Goodreads)
Blackwell’s: https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=BrownGirlReading
“The Book of Night Women recounts the tale of Lilith, a slave on a Jamaican sugar plantation in the late 18th-century, recognized for her mysterious power. As she navigates her identity and confronts desires, Lilith becomes central to a slave rebellion. This narrative weaves drama, emotion, and intrigue, shedding light on the complexities of slavery and relationships during that era.” (Goodreads)
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“The seventh book in the Rougon-Macquart series, L’Assommoir (1877) follows the story of a woman’s pursuit of happiness in working-class Paris. Gervaise is at the heart of the narrative as she establishes her own laundry business, which initially thrives. However, her husband squanders her earnings at the local drinking establishment, the Assommoir, leading them into poverty and despair. L’Assommoir was a popular book at the time, sparking controversy with conservative critics and igniting a debate on the boundaries of modern literature. This new translation captures both the harsh reality and poignant moments of the characters’ lives.” (Goodreads)
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“A Different Drummer is set in a fictional Southern town and tells the remarkable tale of Tucker Caliban, a quiet descendant of an African chief who inexplicably destroys his farm and triggers a mass emigration of the entire Black population of the state.
After nearly thirty years since its initial release, A Different Drummer remains a powerful, imaginative, and impactful work of fiction born out of the struggle for African-American civil rights.” (Goodreads)
Blackwell’s: https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=BrownGirlReading
“Dinner for One is an unforgettable memoir by podcast host Sutanya Dacres, chronicling her journey to rebuild her life after her American-in-Paris fairy tale fell apart, starting with cooking solo dinners in her Montmartre kitchen.
After marrying her French boyfriend and moving to Paris at twenty-seven, Sutanya felt like she was living a Nora Ephron romantic comedy. However, when her marriage abruptly ended, she embarked on a quest to mend her heart and rediscover self-love. Beginning with cooking dinner for herself, Sutanya navigates Parisian life, explores dating in French, and examines her identity as a Black American woman in Paris, all while embracing the French art of pleasure through food and redefining self-care.” (Goodreads)
Blackwell’s: https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=BrownGirlReading
In “The Black Count,” we are introduced to the incredible true story of General Alex Dumas, the real-life inspiration behind famous literary characters such as those in “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers.” The narrative sheds light on a forgotten hero, his journey from being the son of a black slave in Haiti to rising within the French aristocracy in 18th-century France. Despite facing formidable challenges, Dumas commanded armies during the Revolution, ultimately facing an unbeatable foe.
The book not only offers a gripping adventure but also provides a vivid portrayal of historical France and the early multicultural society. It delves into the enduring bond between father and son, making it a poignant and captivating read.
Blackwell’s: https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=BrownGirlReading
In “A Woman of Endurance,” the novel unfolds in 19th-century Puerto Rico, following Pola, an African woman with a deep spiritual connection who is captured and sold for breeding slaves. Despite facing immense adversities and the loss of her children, Pola’s story transcends despair and portrays resilience, regeneration, and the reclamation of shared humanity.
Blackwell’s: https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=BrownGirlReading
Set in 1930s Shanghai, “Half a Lifelong Romance” tells the tale of Shen Shijun, an engineer, and Gu Manzhen, his love interest. Despite their strong bond, circumstances and family interference drive them apart. Their lives take diverging paths filled with obstacles, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities. Against societal norms, the two protagonists cling to hope of a reunion amidst the challenges, set against the backdrop of a vibrant city.
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Nafissa Thompson-Spires, a rising star in literary fiction, delves into the complexities of black identity and the modern middle class through a series of thought-provoking vignettes.
Each story immerses readers in the lives of uniquely original characters. Some tales are darkly humorous—like two mothers exchanging sly jabs via notes in their children’s backpacks or a young girl contemplating how to announce her suicide on social media—while others are profoundly moving—such as a new mother and funeral singer consumed by grief over the tragic loss of young black boys to gun violence, or a teenager torn between her affluent upbringing and her yearning to embrace her black heritage.
Thompson-Spires fearlessly sheds light on the underlying tensions and uncertainties faced by black individuals. Her narratives are masterfully crafted, blending satire and poignancy to enrich discussions on race, identity politics, and the vulnerability of black bodies. By eschewing easy labels and embracing ambiguity, Nafissa Thompson-Spires emerges as a distinctive and vital voice in contemporary fiction.” (Goodreads)
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