Loved it

Contemporary Literature/ satire

𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙯𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙖

Published 2024 by Riverhead Books

Narrator: 𝙺𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝙰𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚊

Soundtrack: Back to Life – Soul Il Soul, Caron Wheeler

A satirical look at success, identity,  marriage, Los Angeles, and being a writer, Danzy Senna’s sharp wit, society commentary, and ability to capture all that makes up life’s “middle” portion of life make 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 a captivating, cerebral, and salient read.

Jane Gibson, college professor, mother of two, wife of Lenny, has spent the last ten years finishing her sophomore novel a “𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦.” There is only one problem: her editor hates it. In her quest to bring stability to her children, move into the multicultural neighborhood of dreams, and finally not constantly worry about money, Jane attempts to “sell out” to Hollywood. Shenanigans ensue. 

I found Jane and Lenny to be irritating characters in the best way. Their bad habits helped ground the plot, their marriage woes believable, and their conversations were full of perspicuity. I loved watching them make poor decisions and enjoyed the book more when they were surprised by the outcomes! 

This is my first Danzy Senna novel, but her talent for discussing blackness, whiteness, and the complications of a mixed identity is unmatched by anything I have read. Her words make you think, pack a punch, and, I am sure, convey many inside jokes. Her writing is so good that even if you miss the payoff, you are enchanted by the journey. 

I loved Senna’s depiction of Los Angeles—more grim, less glitz. You truly feel the LAness of the novel. From the normalization of driving all over the place to the stereotypes of each neighborhood, I laughed out loud, cringed, and wanted to capture more quotes. Even someone who has never visited LA will appreciate Senna’s not-so-rosy view! 

The audio places you directly into Jane’s heads and the inflections hit at all the right places. 

I think this book will likely have a huge dichotomy in the reviews. If you enjoy satire, mundane life and a little bit of desperation driving decisions this will likely be a hit for you as well!

The discourse and satire reminded me a lot of Yellowface. The biracial identity politics felt similar to The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

One final note. Danzy is married to Percvial Everette which blows my power-couple loving mind! His books James was one of my favorite reads of the year!