This book is a masterclass in effective satire. Bernadine Evaristo imagines a world where the transatlantic slave trade victimized white Europeans and Black Africans are viewed as the “superior race.” In doing so, she brings to life the idea that history is written by the victors and how who is in power shapes culture, from clothing, art, and music, to what or whom is considered beautiful and intelligent. All the more remarkable, is that she accomplishes this with a great deal of empathy. 

A couple of times, I had to flip back to previous sections to reorient myself, as the narrative shifts between the present and the narrator, Doris, recalling her past when she was taken from her home by slavers. But overall, I found this book to be compelling and thought provoking, and just generally very well done (especially considering this was her first novel!).