When we talk about the experiences of women, more often than not narratives that describe the lives of women of colour are often left out of the picture. We see it in entertainmentjust as much as we see it in the corporate world. And we certainly see it in literature too.
Growing up, it was always a special occasion to read about a character who also had dark skin, dense type 4c hair and was unconsciously distanced from her African heritage in her quintessentially British surroundings. Sephy in Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses was an unanticipated God send back in the early noughties.
Off the top of my head, this is the only literary reference (and a brilliant one, at that) that I can think of where I felt myself pointedly reflected in a body of writing that I was super excited to read. That changed over time of course; the world grew a little woke (in some areas more than others) I got older, and more actively sought out writing that scored a little better on the representation scale.
These books became a little easier to find as diversity became trendy. Specific book prizes were even set up specifically for BAME writers. Nevertheless, in an idyllic world 'diverse' books would just be books, and they'd be shouted about just as loudly as the other ones. We're on the way but we're not quite there yet.
So, to help push a wider rage of stories and voices forward, we've rounded up some of our favourite recent releases to introduce some exciting, rich narratives to your ever growing bookshelf.
Debrief Books By Or About Women Of Colour
1 of 8Grand Union, Zadie Smith
The first ever collection of stories from the Man Booker Prize-shortlisted author of Swing Time and White Teeth
3 of 8My Sister, the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite
My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker - and more difficult to get out of the carpet - than water
4 of 8She: A Celebration Of Renegade Women, Harriet Hall
Consider this a neat package of female inspiration in one book. It features one hundred women - from Frida Kahlo to Beyoncé - who have given a middle finger to the rules and made defining contributions to the world we know.
5 of 8Daughters Of Nri (The Return of the Earth Mother), Reni K Amayo
A gruesome war results in the old gods' departure from earth. The only remnants of their existence lie in two girls. Twins, separated at birth. Goddesses who grow up believing that they are human. Daughters Of Nri explores their epic journey of self-discovery as they embark on a path back to one another.
6 of 8When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir, Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
This is the first memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. It's one of those crucial reads that you'll struggle to forget about any time soon, which is a good thing, trust us. It tells the story of the movement and the people who survived the years of that prompted it.
7 of 8Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams
A darkly comic and unflinchingly raw depiction of a young woman trying to navigate her way in the world, QUEENIE is about identity, independence and carving your own path
8 of 8Slay In Your Lane: The Journal
With Slay in Your Lane Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke started a national conversation. Now they want you to join them in making changes. Packed full of practical exercises, worksheets, questionnaires and actionable tips, Slay in Your Lane: The Journal will help you get ahead in everything from relationships to starting a successful side hustle, building your personal brand, knowing your worth at work, finances, self-care, and health.
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.