A Particular Kind of Black Man
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Tope Folarin |
A Particular Kind of Black Man is a 2019 novel authored by Nigerian writer Tope Folarin.
Plot
The story centers on Tunde Akinola, a Nigerian immigrant residing in Utah, who confronts racial prejudice at school where peers ridicule his dark complexion. His father, Akinola, faces challenges securing consistent work due to systemic racism. Within the household, Tunde suffers physical mistreatment from his mother, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia. After she abruptly absconds with Tunde and his younger sibling, Akinola manages to retrieve Tunde, while the mother returns to Nigeria accompanied by the younger child. Subsequently, Akinola weds a Utah native who displays racist tendencies and shows favoritism toward her biological children over Tunde.
Theme
Key themes explored in the novel include the journey to adulthood, racial discrimination, and the quest for identity.
Development
Folarin originally conceived the book as a semi-autobiographical work; however, as the narrative progressed, the protagonist's experiences extended beyond Folarin’s initial concept.
Reception
Publishers Weekly commended the book as "[A] tender, cunning debut..." emphasizing Folarin’s talent for crafting vivid scenes while challenging their authenticity, effectively depicting the intricacies of second-generation African-American existence through lucid and engaging prose. The New York Times described it as "Wild, vulnerable, lived... A study of the particulate self, the self as a constellation of moving parts."