Reviews

Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall

hannicogood's review against another edition

4.0

For some reason I thought this was going to be a bit more young adult-y, but it was actually a gorgeous coming of age story about a girl split between the paths her parents wanted.

yelsel13's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

thegel's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

lizmart88's review against another edition

3.0

A coming of age story of a young girl Selena - daughter of immigrants from Barbados - living in Brooklyn, NY in the 1940s. The book follows her from entering her teen years to reaching adulthood as she grapples with - who is she? What does she want to do?

Originally published in 1959, it holds up well. Portrays the same issues that people of color grapple with today. How to get ahead in a world dominated by racism. Whether or not you differentiate yourself as from Barbados vs being considered Black in the neighborhood.

cmackin's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad 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

dominiquefragments's review against another edition

emotional informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

enidkeaner's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sophlynne's review against another edition

5.0

The language in this novel is stunning, with descriptions of the city like, “the tall lamps hidden in the leaves cast a restless design of light on the sidewalk”. Selina is a young woman torn between her parents, her community, her own values, and her home of Barbados which she has never actually seen with her own eyes. This is a tragic novel with a current of hope throughout and felt really modern, despite being written almost 70 years ago. 

kathyxtran's review against another edition

4.0

Complex, beautiful and gutting, with such a vivid quality it seemed at times akin to a stage play.

noahsingh's review against another edition

4.0

okay almost died trying to finish this in time for class but it was good!