Fiction can be considered the foundation of black storytelling, as it stems from oral narratives and fables passed down from our African roots into our modern culture. Our stories are still full of complexity, vibrancy, creativity, and the inherent essence of the black human condition, where struggles over race, misogynoir, and exclusion continue to be present in everyday life. The new books by Danzy Senna and Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominee Gayl Jones, “Colored Television” and “The Unicorn Woman,” are fascinating portrayals of the situational lives of two black protagonists that develop into journeys of growth and valuable experience.
“Colored Television” by Danzy Senna
In Danzy Senna’s latest novel, Colored Television, the author weaves a darkly comic tale that critiques the intersections of racial identity, ambition, and the fickleness of the entertainment industry. Following the success of her best-seller, Caucasia, Senna delivers a story that is as sharp as it is entertaining, capturing the complexities of modern life with a blend of humor and sharp social commentary.
Protagonist Jane is a writer on the brink of literary success and personal upheaval. After years of living in fickle, unstable circumstances, Jane and her family finally land a dream job as house-sitters in the upscale hills of Los Angeles. But as is often the case in Senna’s world, things don’t turn out as smoothly as one might hope. Senna’s portrait of Hollywood is both astute and satirical. A producer’s enthusiasm for Jane’s work quickly turns into a source of hope and disillusionment when the direction of the project changes in ways Jane couldn’t have foreseen. The black comedy arises from the absurdity of the situation, illustrating the often exploitative and unpredictable nature of the entertainment business.
Colored Television takes a deep dive into the concept of racial identity and its commercialization in the entertainment industry. The novel critiques how racist narratives are packaged and marketed and explores the complexity of identity in a society obsessed with categorization and representation. Jane’s struggles highlight the broader racial-identity industrial complex and provide a compelling commentary on how personal and professional identities are often intertwined and manipulated for public consumption.
The Unicorn Woman by Gayl Jones
In The Unicorn Woman, Gayl Jones presents a striking portrait of post-war black American life that blends history, mythology, and deep personal introspection. Set against the backdrop of the early 1950s, Jones crafts a narrative that explores the lives of black veterans navigating a society that offers them neither the glory nor the opportunities they were promised.
Buddy Ray Guy, an Army veteran, finds that his return to civilian life is marked not by triumphs but by the harsh reality of America’s Jim Crow laws. His Army buddies affectionately call him “Budweiser,” a reference to his witty demeanor. Buddy’s outward bravado conceals a complex inner life. Beneath his humorous facade lies a deep intellectual curiosity and a deep-rooted search for meaning, love, and spiritual fulfillment. Buddy’s journey takes him from his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, to his second home in Memphis, Tennessee. As he moves through these Southern landscapes, he is haunted by memories of his wartime experiences in France and the love affairs he left behind. These reflections mingle with his encounters with a cast of vivid, often symbolic characters—each contributing to a layered exploration of his inner world and social standing.
The Unicorn Woman is an exploration of racial and existential themes. Jones examines the struggles of black (and indigenous) people in a post-war America where the promise of progress is often not fulfilled. The novel captures the frustration and disappointment that comes with returning to a society still marked by segregation and prejudice, while also offering a hopeful look at the spiritual and intellectual searches of those seeking meaning in an unjust world.
