A review by archytas
The Color Line by Igiaba Scego

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

There are a lot of timelines going on this book - two interwoven storylines, more than a century apart, both of which flip back and forth through that person's life. Also going is a beguiling, sometimes distracting, allusions to history: including a not-Frederick Douglass love interest. The main character Lefanu is based upon a couple of historical figures, including sculptor Edmonia Lewis and activist Sarah Parker Redmond. Amidst this there is a strong, moving story of being an artist in a racist world. Despite the complexity, the book draws you in - using the contemporary sections to throw the historical experiences into relief.