marshamudpuddle's review against another edition
3.5
It's not quite the same reading a play as seeing it performed, but I enjoyed this nonetheless. It is a series of overlapping conversations taking place in barbershops around the world. The same themes, ideas, and even jokes reappear across continents; there are also a few links between characters. Together, the conversations interweave to form a meditation on Black identity. A barbershop is a great setting for a drama, a bit like a dinner table in that it allows for lots of different things to play out: meandering conversations, different power dynamics and social etiquettes, conflicts and resolutions. It is also a particularly important space for Black people, as the notes explicate well (see also the Pixar film Soul, where there is a great scene in a barbershop that would fit right in here!)
marielouiseolsenn's review
4.0
4/5 stars. Read it for uni. I really enjoyed this book/manuscript. The storylines were beautifully interwoven and you got a glimpse into the lives of different African men as well as their differences
ren_dragon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
nightfell's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Read for uni. This was genuinely funny and heartwarming while exploring themes surrounding fatherhood, culture and heritage, race and racism, and the sense of community within the the social setting of a black owned barber shop.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Racism, and Racial slurs
emiliagonzalez1999's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bothwell's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
danaishpastry's review against another edition
No rating bc I’m reading it for uni, but this is a very nice play.
dan13dean's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
marielouiseolsenn's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars. Read it for uni. I really enjoyed this book/manuscript. The storylines were beautifully interwoven and you got a glimpse into the lives of different African men as well as their differences