Scan barcode
zee's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
After losing his parental figures in Jamaica, there is no question that Cyril Rowntree must take the classic step to bettering his family's future — education and career in Canada. While he tries to adjust to this unknown society, he stumbles upon the mystery of a small Black child, given up long ago in 1923. In trying to find Edward, he ends up on a journey to also find himself.
Finding Edward is packed full of Black activism, and lesser-told stories of Black Canadian history. In trying to weave between Cyril and Edward and their dilemmas, the writing is often clunky. There are often ham-fisted references to important historical figures, and every character except Cyril seem to be all-knowing when it comes to the histories Cyril is learning. He will bring up a name he's recently learned, and other characters will acknowledge him and start quoting these persons.
While a very valuable book in terms of learning about the Black Canadian historical perspective (Africville, sleeping car porters, the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association), James Douglas, etc), I had a tough time connecting with the story through the disjointed plot points and heavy-handed references.
Finding Edward is packed full of Black activism, and lesser-told stories of Black Canadian history. In trying to weave between Cyril and Edward and their dilemmas, the writing is often clunky. There are often ham-fisted references to important historical figures, and every character except Cyril seem to be all-knowing when it comes to the histories Cyril is learning. He will bring up a name he's recently learned, and other characters will acknowledge him and start quoting these persons.
While a very valuable book in terms of learning about the Black Canadian historical perspective (Africville, sleeping car porters, the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association), James Douglas, etc), I had a tough time connecting with the story through the disjointed plot points and heavy-handed references.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Racism, and Racial slurs
Minor: War, Suicide, and Gun violence
More...