A review by biancarogers
Colored Television by Danzy Senna

5.0

Danzy Senna's Colored Television stands out as one of my personal favorites of the year, offering a masterful critique of the creative industries while balancing serious subjects with biting wit and sardonic humor. Through characters like Jane, Lenny, Brett, and Hampton Ford, Senna exposes the reality behind entertainment's facade, revealing how profit-driven narratives can overshadow genuine creativity and exploring the costs of conforming to industry expectations, particularly for those with complex racial identities.

Senna's clever meta-narrative and nuanced approach to these complex topics draws comparisons to the work of her husband, Percival Everett. Her prose weaves incisive social commentary with laugh-out-loud moments, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and irresistibly entertaining. The novel's accessibility, combined with its sharp wit and depth, makes it a standout read that appeals to both the intellect and the funny bone.

Colored Television not only showcases Senna's remarkable storytelling abilities but also solidifies her place among the most compelling voices in contemporary literature. It's a book that entertains while it enlightens, offering a penetrating look at the entertainment industry through a lens of humor and keen observation.