Such a Fun Age
Such a Fun Age is coming-of-age-ish. The protagonist, Emira Tucker, questions her job (babysitter) and long-term plans (none) as she nears her 26th birthday (shout-out Obama for those extra years). Emira is African American, and after an incident involving the white woman who employs her, the questions ramp up even more. How will she keep working for this woman? But also, how can she not?
This is Kiley Reid’s debut novel but it reads like she knows what she’s doing. I had empathy for each main character at some point in the novel. Reid smartly chose to write in the third-person, showing readers the intentions behind the actions. Even though I didn’t always agree with each character’s perspective, the voices were authentic. So was the dialogue... for the most part. There were try-hard moments-- dialogue that seemed a little too *I promise I’m woke and cool and I swear this is how the kids speak*. Similar to what appears in this blog more often than not, I’m sure. Still, overall, I bought it. I was on board.
I also found the story refreshing. There was a pretty big surprise ~100 pages in, which leveled up an already interesting plot. I relate to Emira-- floundering in her mid-twenties, trying to piece together seemingly haphazard skills. Feeling simultaneously content, complacent, and restless. Feeling the urgency of financial burden. Making sacrifices and living in shitty apartments. Kiley Reid’s attention to detail also takes you there, even if you floated unbothered through your twenties (I secretly hate you).
There’s a thrill that accompanies reading a writer’s first novel on the cusp of her career. She has so much promise and I can’t wait to see what else she writes. Lena Waithe’s production company bought the television and film rights to Such a Fun Age and if that isn’t a solid sign of skill, I don’t know what is. Real recognize real.
Overall, Such a Fun Age receives 4 out of 5 flames. I enjoyed the story and I’m impressed with what Reid has to offer.
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