50 pages 1 hour read

Paule Marshall

Brown Girl, Brownstones

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Published in 1959, Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall follows Selina Boyce's coming-of-age journey as the daughter of Barbadian immigrants in 1940s and 1950s Brooklyn. Through struggles with familial and community expectations, Selina grapples with her identity and aspirations, culminating in her decision to seek her own path beyond Brooklyn. The book explores themes of immigration and family conflict.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall is lauded for its rich portrayal of a Barbadian-American family's life in Brooklyn. Critics praise its vivid characters and cultural authenticity. However, some find the narrative pacing uneven. Despite this, the novel is celebrated for exploring complex themes of identity and community.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Brown Girl, Brownstones?

Readers who relish Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall will likely enjoy coming-of-age stories with rich cultural backdrops. If you appreciate works like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros or The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, this tale of a young Barbadian girl in Brooklyn is a compelling read.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Topics

Race / Racism

History: World