A review by knerd
Betsey Brown by Ntozake Shange
5.0
To say that this is a book about integration would be an under-sell: “Betsey Brown” presents a personal look at the life of a young Black girl in St Louis, covering everything from her loves and friendships to her isolation and anxieties.
I’ve always loved Ntozake Shange’s voice. Her prose borders on poetry. To fully appreciate this book, it needs to be read aloud. Every word is chosen in such a way that, not only does the meaning convey exactly what Shange aims for, but its sounds and rhythm contribute to a sense of music that fits the story’s tone.
There’s a playfulness and innocence here that complements the protagonist so well, even when Betsey herself isn’t being discussed. The world is obviously coming into existence from her viewpoint and her’s alone - As Betsey explores St Louis and grows into a woman, the reader gets to enjoy a more nuanced narrative that matures and expands along with her.
I’ve always loved Ntozake Shange’s voice. Her prose borders on poetry. To fully appreciate this book, it needs to be read aloud. Every word is chosen in such a way that, not only does the meaning convey exactly what Shange aims for, but its sounds and rhythm contribute to a sense of music that fits the story’s tone.
There’s a playfulness and innocence here that complements the protagonist so well, even when Betsey herself isn’t being discussed. The world is obviously coming into existence from her viewpoint and her’s alone - As Betsey explores St Louis and grows into a woman, the reader gets to enjoy a more nuanced narrative that matures and expands along with her.