Reviews

Safe: On Black British Men Reclaiming Space by Derek Owusu

kittywinks's review against another edition

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5.0


Safe: On Black British Men Reclaiming Space is by far one of the best essay collections I’ve ever read.

This collection features essays from 20 different writers discuss what it means to be a black British man in today’s society trying to occupy space and what this means.

The essays cover a huge breadth of topics spanning every from mental health, sexual harassment, familial relationships, colonialism, representation of black men in the media, the education system and grime music.

One essay that has particularly stuck with me is surrounding the popularity of Big Narstie in ‘mainstream’ British media, and how a significant reason for this is how his persona is an exaggerated version of how suburban white Britain believe black men act. Again, something I hadn’t even considered but seems so blatant now.

There are so many issues and points raised in this collection I hadn’t even thought about and periods of history spoken about that’s been completely glazed over in our education system. Even if you’re someone who considers themselves well informed, you will definitely learn something new in this collection.

This book needs to be required reading for EVERYONE, especially if you live in the UK.

repeatbeatpoet's review

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hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.5

wittykinks's review against another edition

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5.0


Safe: On Black British Men Reclaiming Space is by far one of the best essay collections I’ve ever read.

This collection features essays from 20 different writers discuss what it means to be a black British man in today’s society trying to occupy space and what this means.

The essays cover a huge breadth of topics spanning every from mental health, sexual harassment, familial relationships, colonialism, representation of black men in the media, the education system and grime music.

One essay that has particularly stuck with me is surrounding the popularity of Big Narstie in ‘mainstream’ British media, and how a significant reason for this is how his persona is an exaggerated version of how suburban white Britain believe black men act. Again, something I hadn’t even considered but seems so blatant now.

There are so many issues and points raised in this collection I hadn’t even thought about and periods of history spoken about that’s been completely glazed over in our education system. Even if you’re someone who considers themselves well informed, you will definitely learn something new in this collection.

This book needs to be required reading for EVERYONE, especially if you live in the UK.

shalisha's review against another edition

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3.0

I loved the feeling of intimacy. As if the writers are in direct conversation with me, trusting me with the inner workings of their mind. An array of voices - yet all pieces of the same puzzle.

I didn't give it a full five stars because I would have loved to read more of a range of topics. I felt that the main areas focused on was race, and fitting into society.

I would have loved to get an insight into how men think and feel about different areas of their personal lives such as: black men as father's, black men finding committed relationships, black men navigating their marriage, black men dealing with break ups and co parenting, black men's relationship to women in contrast to or as a result of their mother, black mens perspective on colourism and preference, black men and mental health etc.

lailai78's review

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5.0

Interesting to read the different perspectives from men raised in Black Britain.

Good discussion points from many men I have been privileged to meet in my literary journey.

crosara's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

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