A review by abbie_
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
I flew through this book, one that tugs at your heart strings as Michael explores his identity and finds a place where he can finally feel enough. I believe this book, though fictional, is inspired by the author's own life, which makes it all the more emotional. Growing up, Michael struggles to hold all the aspects of his identity as one - his mother is adamant that he should never feel like half of a person. He is Jamaican, Cypriot, Black and white British altogether. But as Michael navigates new surroundings like uni, he never quite feels Black enough, Greek enough, queer enough - until he finds Drag Soc.
I loved the sections which focused on Michael growing up, though they were sometimes very sad. There's one part where his little sister Anna plays with her big brother's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and wears dungarees and nobody bats an eyelid. Michael reflects on how the same freedom was not extended to him when he wanted to play with Barbies and try on his mother's dresses. But Michael is such a sweet soul, and instead of feeling (quite understandable) resentment towards Anna, he only feels relieved and grateful that she is allowed to express herself in ways he was not.
Michael finally finding somewhere he can feel 100% himself within Drag Soc was just beautiful. He is a gay man who wants to be free enough to wear a dress - this book is just so full of hope for any kid whose gender expression doesn't fit within society's prescribed norms.
I am a bit of a poetry dunce, and while I loved the sections that were actual poems, sometimes I did find myself wondering if the whole book needed to be in verse. It made it super quick to read but I didn't find myself slowing down to appreciate the verse. Thankfully this didn't negate the emotional impact!
I loved the sections which focused on Michael growing up, though they were sometimes very sad. There's one part where his little sister Anna plays with her big brother's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and wears dungarees and nobody bats an eyelid. Michael reflects on how the same freedom was not extended to him when he wanted to play with Barbies and try on his mother's dresses. But Michael is such a sweet soul, and instead of feeling (quite understandable) resentment towards Anna, he only feels relieved and grateful that she is allowed to express herself in ways he was not.
Michael finally finding somewhere he can feel 100% himself within Drag Soc was just beautiful. He is a gay man who wants to be free enough to wear a dress - this book is just so full of hope for any kid whose gender expression doesn't fit within society's prescribed norms.
I am a bit of a poetry dunce, and while I loved the sections that were actual poems, sometimes I did find myself wondering if the whole book needed to be in verse. It made it super quick to read but I didn't find myself slowing down to appreciate the verse. Thankfully this didn't negate the emotional impact!