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A review by half_bloodreader
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
**Read for Black History Month, and #buzzwordathon. February prompt: a color**
Coming-of-age verse novel about identity, race, sexuality, drag. Ownvoices.
This deals with important subjects, it's a worthwhile read just for the learning experience, the perspective of someone who is mixed-raced never feeling like they're enough in their identity, their heritage. But worse is others from that community not thinking you're enough: “But you’re not black, you’re mixed,” says Nana. “No offense, Mike, but you said you’re Jamaican and Greek.” “Greek Cypriot,” I calmly correct her. “What I mean is: I heard there’s a Greek Society here. You could go there, too.”
Well Nana, you can put your opinion where the sun doesn't shine. Identity is not the same as making coffee. You don't measure half milk, half coffee, 3 sugars at XX degrees when it comes to a person.
What doesn't make it 5 stars for me, is something I, as a non ownvoices reader can judge which is the writing. Some poems were lacking, as were some parts of the novel itself. They lacked polishing imo.
Another thing I was disappointed by, is that there wasn't that much drag, although that was a key part of the novel's marketing. I was really looking forward to it.
Coming-of-age verse novel about identity, race, sexuality, drag. Ownvoices.
This deals with important subjects, it's a worthwhile read just for the learning experience, the perspective of someone who is mixed-raced never feeling like they're enough in their identity, their heritage. But worse is others from that community not thinking you're enough: “But you’re not black, you’re mixed,” says Nana. “No offense, Mike, but you said you’re Jamaican and Greek.” “Greek Cypriot,” I calmly correct her. “What I mean is: I heard there’s a Greek Society here. You could go there, too.”
Well Nana, you can put your opinion where the sun doesn't shine. Identity is not the same as making coffee. You don't measure half milk, half coffee, 3 sugars at XX degrees when it comes to a person.
What doesn't make it 5 stars for me, is something I, as a non ownvoices reader can judge which is the writing. Some poems were lacking, as were some parts of the novel itself. They lacked polishing imo.
Another thing I was disappointed by, is that there wasn't that much drag, although that was a key part of the novel's marketing. I was really looking forward to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism
Minor: Drug use