Kiley Reid’s debut novel Such A Fun Age is a gripping story about a young African-American woman navigating her way through life in the city.
The novel follows the life of Emira Tucker, a young babysitter who has just been thrust into a moral dilemma. Emira finds herself caught in the middle of a misjudged situation when she is wrongly accused of kidnapping the toddler she is babysitting. When security guards stop her in the store, her white employer Alix quickly comes to her defense. The level of scrutiny that Emira was subjected to in this instance brings to light the everyday racism she experiences as a black woman living in the city.
Alix hires Emira on a full-time basis and begins to see her as a confidant and friend, unaware of the uncomfortable position she has placed Emira in. Emira is hesitant but chooses to keep her day job and Alix’s friendship out of convenience. This dynamic between the two offers an interesting analysis into the complexities of race and class in America.
Besides the focus on racism, Reid also introduces other important topics throughout the novel. Mental health, age gap in relationships and the power of community are all discussed at length. Reid’s vivid and amusing writing style ensures that the story remains absorbing and light-hearted throughout.
The key figure in the novel is the protagonist Emira. She is an independent woman with a great head on her shoulders and has been dealing with racism her entire life. She doesn’t want to be seen as some victim; she embraces her own autonomy and rebellious spirit. Emira also isn’t afraid to take risks, despite the consequences she may suffer.
At the same time, Emira is also struggling with understanding and defining who she is. She experiences a great deal of personal and professional growth throughout the novel, as she navigates her life and the uncertain situations she finds herself in.
Ultimately, Such A Fun Age is a story of reflection and growth. It examines racism and the everyday struggles it puts us through, while encouraging us to open our minds to new perspectives. It also takes a look at our relationships and how they can be mutually beneficial, without having to compromise who we are and our values. In the end, Emira’s experiences serve as an inspiring parable that illustrates how much we can learn about ourselves when we break down our own barriers.
