jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review
5.0
I love what Maxine Beneba Clarke is doing with form in these “portraits”—they show such attention to detail in the act of observation and interviewing. They’re as much about this process as they are about the subject they are written about. It’s the intricacies and anecdotal details that made this such a terrific read, that and the insightful author notes that bookend the collection. The context of their publication, responses during edits and the critical reception pieces received. They’re also just fascinating windows into the lives of really interesting people, whether they be beloved writers or detested politicians. The subjects had varying degrees of agency in the process which in itself made for a really engaging read.
earlgreybooks's review
4.0
Anything MBC touches immediately gets a shot at my top book for the year, and this is no exception. If you want something filled with honesty and humour then you really don't need to look anywhere else but here. My favourites in here were Santa, Roxane Gay and Melissa Lucashenko. I've definitely got a few more people to learn more about now!
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