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inkerly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a choreopoem that shines light into the black women experience of the mid 20th century. Theres something for all black daughters, mothers, and grandmothers to resonate with and reflect on, and it’s such a aweing but sad composition of stories that leaves me feeling sad inside. I saw the Tyler Perry rendition of the book before reading this so I have a much more vivid and jarring memory of the events in the poems , but I think the Ebonics writing style , “rainbow” metaphor for the women, and tragic stories were beautifull constructed and together make a classic literary timepiece . My only reasoning for this being 4 stars is the it does get hard to read and I’m sure there are a million hidden meanings behind each line that I couldn’t decipher because of the artistic vision this poem chose to take.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Islamophobia, Grief, and Murder
stevia333k's review against another edition
5.0
It gave me perspective on dancing, it gave me perspective on why date rape was in contrast to rape instead of in contrast to rape by stranger. It gave me perspective on other people who cling to historical figures for representations of safe spaces, it gave me perspective on some of the D/V dynamics I have with my racist family right now (I'm a white settler & so are they, but I'm trans & they're cis.)
Also the July 2010 preface was so important to read, I'm very thankful it was written. It gives guidance on how to adapt this for a variety of races women are. As a white settler disabled trans woman working on becoming a welcome guest & not connected to theater/performance people (I still need to look up performances/adaptations.) This felt important because I needed to read a lot of the book outloud to get a sense of the poetry, and some of the words I do not feel comfortable saying especially as a white woman instead of a woman of color.
Graphic: Addiction, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Islamophobia, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Outing, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
zombiezami's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Cursing, Homophobia, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Islamophobia and War