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A review by thewordsdevourer
Caucasia by Danzy Senna
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.25
caucasia is by no means a bad book, it has a very intriguing and timelessly relevant premise, one thats nevertheless unfortunately marred by its, imo, slightly floundering execution.
the ingredients for a great story are there, but it's way too long, at times too snail-paced, and doesnt hammer its themes as incisively as it should. i feel like this book could be trimmed down by at least a hundred pgs, filled w/ unnecessary details + scenes and the occasional ramblings it is, esp during the section where birdie and her mom are on the run. all these detract from the novel's msg and themes as well, where they're ruminated on and discussed by the characters in stops and starts, never quite reaching the zenith they should.
the parents' political stuff are too vague as well. i understand the secrecy seen from birdie's POV and the necessity for the ambiguity of it all, but senna's decision on this level of vagueness nevertheless makes it difficult to truly focus, and is instead distracting and even annoying at times.
while the discussion of race, intersectionality and many instances as experienced by the characters are intriguing, caucasia regrettably never quite reach its full potential, holding back on crucial points and unfocused + floundering in its execution.
the ingredients for a great story are there, but it's way too long, at times too snail-paced, and doesnt hammer its themes as incisively as it should. i feel like this book could be trimmed down by at least a hundred pgs, filled w/ unnecessary details + scenes and the occasional ramblings it is, esp during the section where birdie and her mom are on the run. all these detract from the novel's msg and themes as well, where they're ruminated on and discussed by the characters in stops and starts, never quite reaching the zenith they should.
the parents' political stuff are too vague as well. i understand the secrecy seen from birdie's POV and the necessity for the ambiguity of it all, but senna's decision on this level of vagueness nevertheless makes it difficult to truly focus, and is instead distracting and even annoying at times.
while the discussion of race, intersectionality and many instances as experienced by the characters are intriguing, caucasia regrettably never quite reach its full potential, holding back on crucial points and unfocused + floundering in its execution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexual content, Violence, and Abandonment
Minor: Police brutality and War