50 pages • 1 hour read
Brown Girl, Brownstones
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Book Brief
274
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 1930s-1940s
1959
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1959, Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall follows Selina Boyce's coming-of-age journey as the daughter of Barbadian immigrants in 1940s and 1950s Brooklyn. Through struggles with familial and community expectations, Selina grapples with her identity and aspirations, culminating in her decision to seek her own path beyond Brooklyn. The book explores themes of immigration and family conflict.
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
3,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall is lauded for its rich portrayal of a Barbadian-American family's life in Brooklyn. Critics praise its vivid characters and cultural authenticity. However, some find the narrative pacing uneven. Despite this, the novel is celebrated for exploring complex themes of identity and community.
Who Should Read Brown Girl, Brownstones?
Readers who relish Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall will likely enjoy coming-of-age stories with rich cultural backdrops. If you appreciate works like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, this tale of a young Barbadian girl in Brooklyn is a compelling read.
3,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
274
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 1930s-1940s
1959
Adult
18+ years
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