A review by zoe_
Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall

challenging emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

Such a conflicting and often sad story. I felt for Selina a lot; her reluctant admiration for her mother is always in conflict with some of the more horrible attitudes her mother portrays (but, then again, you totally get where Silla is coming from), her blatant idolization of her father is in conflict with his "ineptitude" (but, then again, you definitely learn how he came to be the way he is). It's overall a very gray story and there are no good or clear answers to the problems Selina is facing. 
I definitely recommend reading this if you're interested in books that combine family and societal stories.