Audiobook Review: Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown (Spoiler free)

 

Hello guys, long time no see. Hope you’re all staying safe and well!
I haven’t had the motivation to blog recently but I’m feeling a bit more motivated now and I just had to share this book with everyone.

 

*I was sent this ALC from Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review

CW: Trauma, abuse, rape, child sexual abuse/pedophilia, mentions of suicide, racism, death 

Synopsis:
Echo Brown is a wizard from the East Side, where apartments are small and parents suffer addictions to the white rocks. Yet there is magic . . . everywhere. New portals begin to open when Echo transfers to the rich school on the West Side, and an insightful teacher becomes a pivotal mentor. Each day, Echo travels between two worlds, leaving her brothers, her friends, and a piece of herself behind on the East Side. There are dangers to leaving behind the place that made you. Echo soon realizes there is pain flowing through everyone around her, and a black veil of depression threatens to undo everything she’s worked for.

Heavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, Black Girl Unlimited fearlessly explores the intersections of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism—all through the arc of a transcendent coming-of-age.

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My thoughts:

Heartbreaking and painful – definitely not a light read. It deals with very heavy topics, please check the content warning for this one before reading.

I have no idea where to begin this review – it’s definitely not what I expected. I thought it was pure fantasy but it’s based on Echo Brown’s life. How she managed to make trauma magical, I have no idea. I had no idea what to expect going in, I assumed it was a fantasy story, purely fantasy. How wrong I was. The fantasy/ magical realism is heavily metaphorical, ‘wizards’ are not how you would expect. The term ‘wizard’ is used as a metaphor for survivors.

This novel gives insight into the treatment of Black people, especially Black women, in the USA. It was harrowing to read, I can’t even imagine living through it and coming out so hopeful and positive. Brown doesn’t skimp over any details in the novel – the harsh truth is shown, the devastating consequences but ultimately the hope that remains. This book made me quite emotional, which I haven’t had in a book in a while.

Everything is incredibly well written and well narrated. The author reads the audiobook herself, which is just great. She’s amazing! This is the most unique memoir/ autobiography I’ve read. I haven’t heard anyone talk about this book but it is an incredibly important and powerful read. I think everyone should try this book, the message is beautiful and inspiring.

Sidenote – the cover is insanely beautiful. The artwork is outstanding!

Highly, highly recommend picking this one up!

Rating: 4 Stars