Description: Many people in the world today see those who do not look like them, or who speak differently as being separate; as "other." Relations challenges the human illusion of separation, illuminating the connections that link us all as humans, different though equal in every way. In this powerful anthology, new and established storytellers reshape the narratives that restrict and subjugate, revealing the truth of our shared humanity despite differences such as language, identity, class, and gender. Edited by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Relations is a meeting place of perspectives, a profound meditation on the diversity of the Black experience in a post-Black Panther world. The essays, poetry, and stories included span format and genre; they address questions of culture and experience among communities across the globe, who we are, who we want to be, and what it means to navigate life in a Black body. Relations is a vibrant, essential examination of being that elevates voices from different corners of the world. African and diaspora writers share in an urgent gathering of story, a place for contemplation and celebration of the deepest relations
Brief description:
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond is the author of the children's picture book Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky, illustrated by Caldecott Honor Artist Daniel Minter; and the young adult novel Powder Necklace. Her short fiction for adults has been included in the anthologies Accra Noir, Africa39, New Daughters of Africa, Everyday People, and Woman's Work. Learn more at nanabrewhammond.com.
Review Quotes:
"Nana Brew-Hammond's Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices, is an amazing collection by a new generation of young writers with African roots, whether resident on the continent or in foreign places. I do not apologise for comparing it to Daughters Of Africa, 1 and 2 by Margaret Busby. Of course the volume and the scope of Busby's Daughters is different. Whereas Busby's is an anthology of stories by women, Brew-Hammond's includes a few stories by men. And certainly in the spirit of the age, that makes it even more relevant. But the essence and the spirit behind Brew-Hammond's Relations is almost the same. I hope and more than that, I suspect that lovers of good books in general and short stories in particular would find it a great read." - Ama Ata Aidoo
"The experience of reading this anthology is joyful, important, and highly recommended." - Booklist
"This is an anthology that sings, a wonderful look at the relationships and connections that sustain us, give us life, make us who we are. This smart, generous collection is a true gift." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)