THE OTHER BLACK GIRL

by Zakiya Dalila Harris

I never know when I feel disappointed after reading a book like The Other Black Girl if that comes from having heard so much about the book before reading it. There had been so much hype. I really wanted to read it. Did I have unrealistic expectations? To be clear: there were many aspects of the novel that I admired. Harris develops a compelling plot when Nella, the only Black editorial assistant at Wagner Books, finally welcomes another Black assistant, Hazel-May McCall, to Wagner’s ranks. Positive that she has found her work soulmate, Nella soon finds herself sidelined at work while Hazel-May’s star keeps rising.

Harris’ portrayal of the office dynamic between the overly white company staff and the too few Black employees is so realistic that it will make you cringe. And her dialogue is spot on. Where the novel lost me was as it built to its climactic end. Nella stands up for herself at last. But after a series of confusing meetings with an outside empowerment group, she appears as an employee at a different publishing company, this time with the personality of Hazel-May – the rising star. I was so confused that to this day I wonder if I missed something and should go back and start over. I would love to hear whether any of you L&L readers understood the ending better than that. Until then, I have to say The Other Black Girl was not my cup of tea. (Liz)