The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert Quinita Balderson Colbert, Brandy The Blackwoods. Balzer + Bray, 2023 [384p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063091597 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780063091610 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr 7-10 The passing of Black actress Blossom Blackwood, matriarch to multiple generations of family who have grown up in the limelight of her legacy, marks the revelation of a deep family secret that uproots the family's understanding of their family tree. Emerging onto the silver screen as a Black actress in the '60s was no easy feat for Blossom, and added expectations of a traditional family were exacerbated by her celebrity. That celebrity continues after her passing, as her granddaughters learn that tabloids will jump at the chance to show them at their most vulnerable; there's [End Page 51] no grace period for them to grieve privately, whether thrust into child stardom like Ardith or actively avoiding celebrity by association like Hollis. Colbert delivers a heartfelt, layered story that evokes the glamour one would expect from a classic black-and-white film. Told from the perspectives of Blossom, Hollis, and Ardith, this delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the blurred boundaries between private and public lives. The exploration of family secrets, the weight of expected gender roles, and the repercussions both have on the characters add elements of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the truth. This selection would complement an exploration of sociology in the arts/media studies throughout American history. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois