The story is viewed as a meaningful coming-of-age novel that also engages with racial issues and white privilege, though some interpret its portrayal of black characters as fitting into a 'magical negro' trope.
This review reflects on the novel's exploration of race, family, and growth through Lily’s experiences with the Boatwright sisters. While the reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the themes of awakening to privilege and racial bias, they also critique the depiction of the black characters as potentially reinforcing a trope where black figures primarily exist to teach the white protagonist. The review acknowledges the novel's strengths in addressing complex social issues and the protagonist's personal evolution, but it invites readers to consider the nuances of representation and the dynamics of race in the narrative. It offers a thoughtful perspective that encourages readers to engage critically with the book's themes beyond its surface-level story.
Quick quotes
The novel was written with the magical negro trope that these black women are all there to teach Lily a lesson about race and family.
Ms. Kidd wants us to sympathize with how Lily has implicit bias at first and unaware of her white privilege.
Lily learns about the complexities of life and race through her time with the Boatwright sisters.