A very clear message running through this book like a strand of gold, beautiful writing and energy. I read this book really quickly as it resonated with me and my mothers generation. Historical events so minute in detail however had a massive impact on the lives of women in general but also black women. Interwoven with the historical facts was the human stories, it could have been you, the woman next door or the woman on the bus, everyday stories of courage and duty. Really loved the writing and narration. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

I like to keep myself in the loop for black women’s books as I try to be as open and understanding and try to understand other peoples lives and struggles but I felt like this book 90% of it was really good, but the other 10% of it felt as if it was either putting down white people or very much making women or people of colour higher than us all being equal I do you actually really like a lot of this and I would say that it would’ve been a four. Five star if it wasn’t for the fact that it did feel like it was segregating two different groups instead of trying to merge everyone into an equal rights. It just broke my heart to see that Implemented in this book

This is a spectacular exploration of Black womanhood - the storytelling was seamless, balancing history and memoir, with lovely prose and heartfelt appreciation for Black women everywhere.

I was listening to the audiobook and wasn’t able to take notes, so I can’t give a rundown on the contents. But so much of it lingers with me. The deconstruction of ‘Aunt Jemima’ and the women who were silenced until their stories could be reclaimed. Translation—of language, literature, action—as both resistance and loss. The weight and cost of being ‘the first.’ The women who come before, the grandmothers, who provide the foundation for all the possibilities that come after, and the mothers, who fight for a better world for their children.

I received a free audiobook from NetGalley in return for an honest review. It was narrated by the author, and beautifully! I could listen to her read the phone book, as they used to say. They way she brought it all to life really added an extra depth to the joy and weight and fire of the writing.

Such a educational book, I really enjoyed the fact that the book can the story from different point women of the story and include modern females too. I enjoy the tread the author create between culture, womanhood and society. The book is beautiful written, is a easy and such a page turning reading I Belive it will be a eye opened book for everyone who read it.

This was an easy 5 star review for me because it was so incredibly easy to read! (Read it in one sitting - you guys know I rarely do that).

Following the history of black women through culture, creativity and legacy, this book weaves a wonderful story about women we know of but, just as importantly, the women we don't.

I love love love books like this that offer historical fact alongside feeling and meaning, while teaching me more of what I need to know by exploring the likes of:

- Black women in the kitchen
- The black female experience and representation
- Safe spaces
- Beauty standards
- Perspective
- Habits & hobbies
- Class and hierarchy
- Legacy
- Individualism
- Fighting back
- Rejecting stereotypes
- Acceptance

This is honestly a great one for ANYONE to read. It is intellectual, educational, heart-felt and as always needed.
I loved the constant reminder that I don't need to overextend or dim myself for the comfort of others because of the importance of living in my truth.
It doesn't drag while simultaneously proving enough detail that I have gone off and done some more of my own research.

I came away inspired!

OUT 22ND JUNE - Get pre-ordering noooowwww!