‘Colored Television’ Review: Danzy Senna’s Satire of Post-Post-Racial America
By Carole V. Bell
Danzy Senna’s latest novel, Colored Television, is a sharp and insightful satire that takes aim at the complexities of race, class, and ambition in apost-post-racial America. The novel follows Jane, a biracial novelist struggling to make it in Los Angeles, as she navigates the treacherous watersof the literary and television worlds.
The story opens with a moment of self-awareness that sets the tone for the rest of the book. Jane, confronted with her own internalized racism, recognizes the hypocrisy of her resentment towards aBlack man dating a white woman. This scene, like many in the novel, is both funny and uncomfortable, forcing readers to confront their own biases and assumptions.
Senna’s writing is sharp and witty, filled with quotableobservations and poignant insights. She expertly dissects the contradictions of contemporary American life, particularly the illusion of progress in race relations. Jane’s journey, marked by both ambition and self-sabotage, is a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by artists, especially those navigating the complexities of race and identity ina world that often feels both progressive and deeply entrenched in its own biases.
Colored Television is a timely and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds. Senna’s sharp wit and insightful observations make this a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary American literatureand the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
Key Points:
- Genre: Satirical Fiction
- Themes: Race, class, ambition, art, identity, post-post-racial America
- Protagonist: Jane, a biracial novelist struggling to succeed in Los Angeles
- WritingStyle: Sharp, witty, insightful, quotable
- Key Strengths:
- Thought-provoking exploration of race and identity in contemporary America
- Compelling portrayal of the struggles of artists
- Sharp satire of the entertainment industry and its complexities
- Insightful and often humorousobservations on the contradictions of American life
Target Audience:
- Readers interested in contemporary American literature
- Readers interested in the complexities of race and identity
- Readers who enjoy satirical fiction
- Readers who are fans of Danzy Senna’s previous work
Overall Impression:
Colored Television isa timely, insightful, and entertaining novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. Senna’s sharp wit and keen observations make this a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of modern American life.
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