Such A Fun Age

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‘Such a Fun Age’ is Kiley Reid’s first book that tackles issues of race and class in a surprisingly light-hearted, funny way. This book has been long listed for the Man Booker Prize 2020.

The book is about Emira, a twenty-five year old black woman who babysits for Alix, a white ‘influencer’. It has a dramatic start, when Emira is stopped by a security guard in a Market Depot and is accused of kidnapping Briar, Alix’s two-year old daughter.

Following the incident in the Market Depot, Alix makes a painful effort to engage with Emira, who is largely indifferent to her employer. The story that develops is fast-paced and contains a few unexpected twists that keep it engaging (no spoilers!).

The plot carries this book. The writing itself isn’t exceptional; it’s not beautiful and it didn’t particularly provoke an emotional response.

Emira, the main character, is likeable and witty. Her primary concerns about what constitutes ‘proper adulting’ definitely touch a nerve. The other characters are less engaging, they feel a bit stereotyped and two-dimensional. I found Alix in particular a bit too annoying, with her awkward attempts to prove her progressiveness and total lack of self-awareness. Her preoccupation with her weight is particularly grating, especially given the fact her brand (#LetHerSpeak) is all about empowering women.

There are some deep issues underlying the storyline of this book but they are by and large skated over in favour of satire and comedy. That being said, the repeated demonstrations of white privilege are all too real.

I did enjoy reading this book but I don’t think I’ll read it again.