Member Reviews

"Both Not Half" by Jassa Ahluwalia is a powerful and deeply personal exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexities of being biracial in today’s world. Ahluwalia’s writing is both eloquent and raw, offering readers a candid and insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of navigating life between two cultures.

In this memoir, Ahluwalia shares his own experiences growing up as a mixed-race individual, delving into the internal and external struggles that come with feeling "both" but often being seen as "neither." Through a series of poignant reflections, he addresses the pressures of fitting into predefined cultural boxes, the search for self-acceptance, and the journey to embrace his full identity without compromise.

"Both Not Half" is not just a memoir but also a broader commentary on the societal perceptions of race and the often-overlooked nuances of biracial identity. Ahluwalia’s storytelling is honest and compelling, drawing readers into his world and encouraging them to think critically about their own assumptions and biases.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of identity, particularly in a multicultural society. Jassa Ahluwalia’s "Both Not Half" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking narrative that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering both a window into the author’s life and a mirror for examining our own views on race and belonging.

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Jassa Ahluwalia was brought up immersed in his Punjabi heritage by his parents and grandparents feeling secure in his identity. It was only as he got older that he realised his differentness and began to question his identity in relation to the world. The disconnect between his appearance and his heritage began to affect him more and prompted him to explore the history of mixed identity. An interesting examination of attitudes to mixed heritage and how we view ourselves.

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