This June, eight members of Black Women Connect gathered on Zoom to discuss our book club selection, Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. The meeting was filled with vibrant conversation and universal acclaim for the novel. We were deeply moved by the book, praising the writing style, creativity, and the portrayal of various forms of love, especially the sensitive and skillful handling of queer love by the author.
We explored why Adjei-Brenyah chose a near-future setting for his dystopian narrative and how it reflects our current societal issues. The fictional CAPE program sparked intense discussion, with many of us drawing parallels to the real prison-industrial complex and its representation as a modern form of slavery.
We examined the character evolution of Loretta Thurwar, from her first fight to becoming a Grand Colossal, and what her journey symbolizes. The multiple perspectives in the novel provided a comprehensive look at the various stakeholders in the CAPE program. We loved this approach, even though we often find it challenging in other books.
A significant part of our conversation focused on the audience’s role in the fictional world and its reflection on our society’s consumption of violence and entertainment. We delved into the culture of death within the prison system and how it affects trust and camaraderie among the prisoners.
Mari’s narrative, in particular, resonated deeply with us. Her actions and story highlighted the importance of community organizing and advocacy. We discussed how change is often slow, but the author showed how activism and abolitionist work can make small but significant changes.
We critically reflected on the dramatization of the prison-industrial complex and the commodification of Black bodies in the novel, drawing parallels to real-world issues. The fragmented narrative style used to depict solitary confinement was particularly impactful, highlighting the psychological effects of isolation.
The incorporation of real-life stories and statistics through footnotes added a layer of realism to the novel, enhancing our understanding of the carceral system. This meeting was not just a discussion but a powerful reflection on the systemic issues highlighted in Chain Gang All-Stars. We left feeling inspired and motivated to advocate for change in our communities.
Thank you to all who participated in this enriching discussion. We look forward to our next meeting in July, where we’ll explore the magical realism of River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta.
Join us in July for another evening of meaningful dialogue and connection.
