Review: Memorial
THE PLOT: ‘Memorial’ by Bryan Washington is a literary novel about two men in a complicated long-term relationship. When Japanese-American Mike learns that his estranged father is dying, he decides to travel from America to Osaka to take care of … Continue reading Review: Memorial
Review: The Mirror & the Light
THE PLOT: ‘The Mirror & the Light’ by Hilary Mantel is the final novel in the ‘Wolf Hall’ trilogy. Set in England between 1536 and 1540, it chronicles the downfall of Henry VIII’s principal advisor – Thomas Cromwell. Born the son … Continue reading Review: The Mirror & the Light
Review: Empress & Aniya
THE PLOT: “Empress & Aniya” by Candice Carty-Williams is a YA novel about two unlikely friends. When Empress gets a scholarship to an elite private school, popular and wealthy Aniya is tasked with showing her around. The girls become friends, … Continue reading Review: Empress & Aniya
Review: Manchester Happened
THE PLOT: “Manchester Happened” by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi is a short story collection about Ugandan immigrants. Structured in two parts; “departing” and “returning”, it weaves between Manchester and Kampala as characters ultimately decide whether to stay or go. From a man … Continue reading Review: Manchester Happened
Review: The Purpose of Power
THE PLOT: “The Purpose of Power” by Alicia Garza is non-fiction that provides an insight into grassroots organizing, the history of #BlackLivesMatter and highlights key areas to think about when attempting to affect change. A co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter, Alicia intersperses … Continue reading Review: The Purpose of Power
Review: Betty
THE PLOT: ‘Betty’ by Tiffany McDaniel is a coming-of-age novel about a young girl with Cherokee heritage. Born in 1954, Betty is the middle child in a large family. Her white mother resents her Cherokee father because, despite his hard … Continue reading Review: Betty
Review: Who’s Loving You
THE PLOT: Who’s Loving You is an anthology of short stories by British women of colour. From a refugee washing up on shore to a girl visiting Iran for her mothers’ funeral, these stories cover a vast range of topics, but … Continue reading Review: Who’s Loving You
Review: Trees for the Absentees
THE PLOT: Trees for the Absentees by Ahlam Bsharat is a short novel about a young girl living in occupied Palestine. The protagonist, Philistia, has grown up helping her Grandma Zahia who is a midwife and corpse washer. After her Grandma … Continue reading Review: Trees for the Absentees
Review: Concrete Rose
THE PLOT: Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a young-adult novel about a black boy who becomes a father at seventeen years old. Stuck in an underprivileged neighbourhood, Maverick was pretty much born into a gang. His father was the don … Continue reading Review: Concrete Rose
Review: Shuggie Bain
THE PLOT: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is a literary novel about a young boy growing up in 80’s Glasgow. Since he was a toddler, it’s been clear that Hugh (Shuggie) Bain is different from other children in his tower block. … Continue reading Review: Shuggie Bain
