Alix Chamberlain is a mom and blogger who has become somewhat of a social media darling and her own brand. She is a privileged white woman who always gets what she wants and has made this her business model.
Emira is the young black babysitter for the Chamberlains. Working two jobs, she is trying to make rent, keep up with her health insurance, and decide what exactly she wants to do with her life.
While minding Briar one night, Emira is confronted by another shopper and security guard in the Chamberlain's upscale neighbourhood supermarket—she is accused of kidnapping the toddler. A crowd gathers to watch the events unfold, and a bystander captures everything on his phone. Emira is left shaken, humiliated and determined to put the incident behind her whereas Alix makes it her mission to right the situation.
When the video unearths someone from Alix's past, the women end up on a crash course that will topple their delicate relationship and undo them both.
What could easily be mistaken as a light and breezy beach read is quickly squashed—this rich and captivating narrative has many layers and subtle nuances. Such a Fun Age is an explosive debut with a comment on racism, classism, and transactional relationships.
Reid's character development is nothing short of amazing. Both Alix and Kelley perceive that they are protecting Emira and saving her, but what they don't realize is the huge disconnect they have from her real life. They think that they are the hero whereas the other is the villain. Alix and Kelley also can't seem to see the bigger picture—even though they are well meaning, they are part of the problem. And can we just talk about Briar for a moment? She is precocious but there is an innate sadness about her, she can sense that she is not important to her mother but has no way of articulating her feelings. Reid gives voice to this by creating an anxious, serious child that flourishes under Emira's care. The exchanges between Emira and Briar are some of the best writing in the book.
Alix's feelings towards Amira force a relationship that is not only inappropriate as her employer, but borders on being unhealthy. I think that Alix is a bit unhinged, perhaps this is a result of her micro-celebrity status, therefore she tries to control those around her, especially through her need to help. This is a case of where well-intentioned white people try to save black people and instead, make the situation more difficult.
Can I just tell you how outstanding the audiobook version is? Nicole Lewis is incredibly talented. I highly recommend this five star book.
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KILEY REID earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she was awarded the Truman Capote Fellowship and taught undergraduate creative writing workshops with a focus on race and class. Her short stories have been featured in Ploughshares, December, New South, and Lumina.
Reid lives in Philadelphia with her husband.
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