Customer Reviews

Blackface: A Novel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Clinton Ray, or "Black", along with his friends Face, Penny and Zero all learn how to live life in the streets of Chicago in the novel, Blackface, by Q.B. Wells. The author introduces you to Black's life early on in the novel and the daily strife he and his mother encounter as they struggle to live in the same apartment - a boy-child trying to be a man and a mother trying to keep him a child.

While reading this book of only 128 pages, the author delves deep into issues such as molestation, self-hatred, gang violence, suicide, drug dependency and other issues that could arise as a result of living in an urban environment. While touching on all of these issues, none of them ever come full circle. The characters all have different scenarios going on at the same time and while reading, it got confusing to keep up with what was happening to whom. The inconsistency of their ages was troubling as well. It seemed at one point they were getting their G.E.Ds, however, a fight in the classroom would never be tolerated in an adult learning environment. The editing was very poor, making reference to a "Johnny Hathaway" album, instead of Donny Hathaway.

I was anxious to read the book after reading the description but was disappointed when it seemed as if the description was for another book. I wanted to be engaged, but it was too confusing and I knew that because of the length of the book, there was no way there could be a realistically conceivable ending that would make sense and I was correct. I am unable to make a recommendation for this book at this time.

Lena Willis
APOOO BookClub

BLACKFACE by Q. B. Wells is a story about life on the mean streets of Chicago for an unpopular teen. Black is a fat, somewhat clumsy, dark skinned child who feels unloved - especially by his mother, who is something of a disciplinarian. He feels that she loves Roy Mayor, the white child to whom she is a nanny, better than she loves him because she listens to Roy's whining and complaining when she won't tolerate it from him. He is also upset at the darkness of his skin and feels that if he were lighter, he would be better loved. In one scene, we see Black scrubbing his face with steel wool and rinsing it in Clorox to lighten his skin. Finally, in a moment of rebellion against his mother, Black runs away to the streets and meets up with his friends who also have their own issues. Face is a foster child who longs for a family; Penny's mother is a drug addict he feels he must protect and Zero, who also has a stern father, stutters and longs to fit in with the crowd. All four of these young men need money and they need it right now. What will they do to get it?

Q. B. Wells's novel is a heart-wrenching picture of what life for a black teen can be on the harsh, unforgiving streets of an urban ghetto where money is everything and drugs are on every corner. It is a coming of age story where Black must decide if he is going to take the high road or the low road. Is he going to listen to his mother or his friends? Other than some editing issues that jolt the smoothness of the book, it is a captivating read. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. I would recommend it for anyone who loves a good story.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Q. B. Wells has written about the harsh realities of living on the Chicago streets. A totally mesmerizing read. This novel doesn't have a dull point throughout the entire story. 'BLACKFACE' is reality. It may be cold and heartless at times, but it puts you in touch with what it takes to manage life in this part of the Country. Recommended for all serious readers.

A sad but engrossing story. It's a very good read, hard to put the book down. I can't wait to read part 2!!!

BlackFace by Q.B Wells follows the lives of Black and Face and how their experiences in gang life shape their destiny. Black is one of the main characters who is beaten and mistreated by his mother and hopes to someday escape her mistreatment as a frustrated, overwhelmed and unhappy single mother.

This book appeals to those who may be interested or fascinated by the lives and experiences of gang members.
The author reveals the ugliness and the comraderie of ganglife and reveals the reasons some young me may choose ganglife as an escape from their lack of love or their sense of or lack of family and the need to belong.

BlackFace introduces conflict between a son and his mother and his constant desire to be loved by his mother. The violence in the book can be overwhelming, at times and for some readers may be difficult to read. The outcome of the characters in the book is unpredictable.

I did not enjoy reading BlackFace. I became confused and disinterested in the characters and their outcomes in the plot. The author gives no introduction or background of new characters that suddenly appears in the book and leaves the reader wondering about this character (s) which made BlackFace difficult to read and difficult to follow.

The author writes many times in the first person of a character and in second person of the same character sometimes using the characters nickname or 'real' name.

Tanya Matthews
AAMBC Reviewer

The lore of contemporary urban fiction is rife with carbon copied, formulaic titles offering the same sensationalized sagas of street life with little redeeming value or meaningful perspective. Thankfully, Blackface is a fresh, standout departure from that mold.

The debut novel by impressive literary talent Q.B. Wells chronicles the intertwined fates of four Black teens immersed in the perpetually unfolding drama of inner city Chicago. Each struggling to cope with a strained home environment, Black, Face, Penny, and Zero are forced to rely on their wits and ever-evolving street savvy to stay one step ahead of the competition - which is often deadly. As if the challenges of being a teenager aren't enough, the boys must also contend with racism, police brutality, criminal peer pressure, and a host of other hurdles, all in an effort to survive and ultimately escape the grim confines of the hood.

The main storyline in Blackface is centered on the arduous emotional journey of Black, born Clinton Ray, whose mother has already lost one son to the streets and is loath to see him to follow the same path. Feeling stifled by her heavy-handed approach to him, Black eventually leaves home, seeking the freedom and acceptance that elude him while still under her roof. His exploits are not uncommon and likely reflect similar struggles that many - if not all - young Black males undergo at such a crucial stage of their development. As he learns more about the outside world - and, by default, himself - Black ultimately realizes that his mother's hard-line stance is designed to protect him from the very dangers he so willingly thrusts himself into. Whether or not he decides to use his newfound wisdom in turning his life around is the ultimate rite of passage that awaits all young Black males in positions just like his.

Blackface is a compelling read, taking the reader on a journey through the everyday struggles of young Black America that the mainstream all too often - and easily - ignores. For a deep, introspective view of lives that hang in a perpetual delicate balance, look no further than this seminal treatise on the ongoing battle of glitter vs. substance. An outstanding instant classic, and a welcome addition to the realm of urban fiction.


Daria Miles
Apex Reviews