Saturday 14 December 2019

Book Review - 'Sulwe' by Lupita Nyong’o (Writer), Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)

'Could it be that Night did not need to change, not even a little, not even at all?'



A beautiful, gorgeous, powerful book for all ages about the issue of colorism. 'Sulwe' is unique and so crucial, and believably brought on by life experiences. The artwork is...indescribable. Bold and perfect. It's the kind of stunning that, alongside the book's message, sets a whole new standard for picture books. I also like that the ending emphasises on loving oneself and gaining high self-esteem from your own inner beauty, without needing to seek validation from anyone else. What other people think of you, and if they want to be friends with you, doesn't really matter. Anyone who's always viewed you as ugly and undesirable because of baseless, meaningless and impossible beauty standards isn't worth your time anyway. Bullying and sisterhood are hard-hitting, connecting themes.

Day and Night, Light and Dark - one cannot exist without the other. Each is strong and important to the world. Each is beautiful in her own ways, whether people choose to see it or not.

Enchanting and life affirming.

Final Score: 5/5

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