A gorgeous book that explores all the subtle ways racism rears its ugly head in day to day life. Also a good examination of how trying to maintain neutrality is really just siding with those in power.

Maybe a little too 'parable-y' for me, but still recommended. ( )

In this simple but moving story, Farai, the daughter of Zimbabwean immigrants, takes a trip with her fiancé Adam to meet his very White parents and is upset to find him making excuses and dodging discussion of their prejudice and bigotry. ( )

Whew, as I read this book in one sitting, it made my blood boil. Charlotte Kristensen has a powerful way with language.

Farai has been in a relationship for two years and has never met her partner’s parents. Until this weekend. I think even Adam knows why he’s been reluctant for this meeting.

Farai has finally persuaded Adam to introduce her to his parents, but the visit to the in-laws turns out to be a horrible experience for her. It should have been horrible for everyone, but the mother was too smug, the father clueless and the son spineless. She starts to feel uneasy and ostracised. When confronted about this experience Adam tries to play down the situation and does not show any understanding for his partner’s concerns. I get that he’s caught between pleasing everyone. It’s uncomfortable, but sometimes you must face uncomfortable situations for what is right. Then things get a whole lot worse and Farai has to question if she can be with a man she loves whose family does not accept her and who is not willing to face the difficulties related to an interracial relationship.

This story puts the reader right in there with Farai and her point of view, yet you still have the benefit of seeing the whole picture. You hear what the other characters say and how they behave, even down to their body language and facial expressions. The illustrator certainly captured the image of smugness in the mother’s face. As I began the book I only knew it was about an interracial couple so I had no preconceived ideas. Therefore at the start I gave Adam and his family the benefit of the doubt.

While the mother is front and center, Adam’s father, Charles is always in the background. I think we know who runs this family. Even the graphic descriptions of him are fairly hazy and not particularly detailed. This means that the bulk of the focus is on Martha, Adam’s mother, who behaves despicably towards Farai.
While Charles is never vocal, he is equally as guilty of bigotry and racism as Martha. Martha is just easier to dislike as she’s the primary aggressor towards Farai.

Even though this book is a work of fiction, the disgusting comments made about Farai’s heritage, culture, education (and that of her parents) are made every single day. There are also atrocious comments made about other ethnic groups, refugees and religious groups where media outlets happily portray them as being ‘terrorists’ and ‘living off the state’. Sadly this thought is not rare rather for many people, it is a daily occurrence.

Some readers will see themselves in Farai, and if other people were truly honest with themselves they may see a little bit of themselves in Martha, Charles, or Adam.

The graphics beautifully and descriptively display the personality of the characters. Notice the weather as it becomes stormy as tension builds.

The book is a master of bringing to light contemporary issues of race, bigotry and the difficulties that interracial couples face.

What We Don’t Talk About is an amazing and brave debut novel.

My hope is that this book will cause folks to be more accepting of anyone different from who you are and be willing to understand and learn the facts about other cultures. ( )