Book Review: Colored Television by Danzy Senna
When I first heard about Colored Television by Danzy Senna, the title immediately sparked my curiosity. In an era where conversations about race and identity are both critical and complex, I was eager to see how Senna, a writer I deeply admire, would navigate these waters through her protagonist, Jane Gibson. As a fellow lover of literature, I often find myself contemplating the nuances of identity, and I was thrilled to dive into this narrative reflecting on privilege, deception, and the pursuit of authenticity.
At the heart of the story is Jane Gibson, a biracial woman entrenched in the struggle to define herself and her identity as she writes an ambitious second novel about the “mulatto” experience. Her journey is marked by her struggle for tenure as a non-tenured college professor, and the societal pressures to succeed – both as a writer and as a mother. The stark realities of her life in Los Angeles are palpable; she juggles the demands of raising her children, Ruby and Finn, while navigating her precarious position between wealth and poverty, particularly as her family house-sits for her friend Brett, a successful writer turned television creator.
Senna’s writing dances between sharp satire and profound reflection, providing a rich exploration of not just race but the societal constructs that shape our identities. Jane’s worldview is intricately linked to her obsession with her novel, which often leaves her feeling guilty about her parenting. As she becomes entangled in the allure of commercial success and the façade of a gentrified suburb, one can’t help but feel a deepening sense of discomfort as Jane’s principles begin to erode. The irony of her situation is hard to ignore; she despises Brett’s shift to lower-brow entertainment, yet finds herself yearning for the same kind of success that eludes her literary ambitions.
Notably, there’s a passage that resonated with me profoundly: “But lies are a funny thing. They don’t stay where they’re supposed to stay.” This encapsulates Jane’s transforming reality – as she teeters on the brink of moral dissolution, the tension of her deceptive choices began to seep into my own thoughts. Senna’s prose is slippery and evocative, capturing the interiority of Jane’s mind with such deftness that I found myself reflecting on my own truths and half-truths.
The pacing of the book is exhilarating; it builds tension gradually, leading to a near-explosive climax that feels achingly personal. Even as I could predict some twists, my engagement never waned because it was less about the outcome and more about the conflicted human experience that Jane embodies.
As I turned the final pages of Colored Television, I felt a bittersweet twinge of longing for both the characters and the conversations they inspired within me. Senna captures the complexities of race, identity, and ambition with a mix of humor and heartbreak, making this a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the intersections of culture and personal aspiration.
I believe this book will resonate deeply with those who appreciate a sharp, reflective satire imbued with layered characters and significant themes. Colored Television is not just a story about a woman’s quest for literary success; it’s a compelling commentary on the illusions we chase in a world that often prizes them over authenticity. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perspectives and leave you with lingering questions, look no further. As for me, this is only the beginning of my journey with Danzy Senna’s work, and I can’t wait to explore more of her brilliance.