Amelia
A heart breaking book in letters from a black father to his estranged gay son. Jacob is dying of cancer and he is moved to write his story, his apology and explanation of why he was the kind of person/ father he was. While the letters examine all the trauma of violence, pain and subjugation his family has inherited and perpetuated, it was a relatively easy read. It examined the fact that a generation of black people were (may be still) unable to feel, and share desire, joy and love. Survival was the only thing they were allowed to feel which in turn starved their lives of fullness and love. This is just one part of the generational struggle and trauma that Jacob inherited and informed his parenting (and life). He was hateful, mean and violent toward his son Isaac especially bc he suspected Isaac was gay.
The letters examine his entire life, his understanding of “manhood”, love and even friendship. This book should be required reading!!!
A heart breaking book in letters from a black father to his estranged gay son. Jacob is dying of cancer and he is moved to write his story, his apology and explanation of why he was the kind of person/ father he was. While the letters examine all the trauma of violence, pain and subjugation his family has inherited and perpetuated, it was a relatively easy read. It examined the fact that a generation of black people were (may be still) unable to feel, and share desire, joy and love. Survival was the only thing they were allowed to feel which in turn starved their lives of fullness and love. This is just one part of the generational struggle and trauma that Jacob inherited and informed his parenting (and life). He was hateful, mean and violent toward his son Isaac especially bc he suspected Isaac was gay.
The letters examine his entire life, his understanding of “manhood”, love and even friendship. This book should be required reading!!!