In his new book Black Paper, Teju Cole explores what it was like to be a Black man in America between 2016 and 2019, through the lenses of art, literature, politics, and activism.
How do we sustain our humanity during times of darkness? And what does it mean to bear witness to the humanity of others? These are the central questions in Teju Cole’s latest collection of essays. Searing, provocative, and written with his signature precision, Cole’s commentary strikes a balance between personal and universal; scholarly and compassionate; and honest yet hopeful. “Black Paper had a long gestation period because it includes essays from a span of many years,” explains Cole. “Ultimately, these are all essays that emerged in response to Donald Trump’s presidency. But they’re not about Trump. They’re about what you do when the world is knocked upside down.”
In their review, The Guardian writes, “To read this book is to enjoy the generosity of his thought, to be invited into a contemplation of your inner life, to embrace the complexity of others, and to see in the darkness not only despair but also understanding and even refuge.”
Black Paper is available everywhere you buy books.
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