Real Life by Brandon Taylor

“Real Life” by Brandon Taylor is a compelling read about a group of young researchers and professionals in an unnamed University/State Capital town in the mid-West. It beautifully captures the struggles and strife facing a predominantly white privileged group, but most memorably a young black man, Wallace, who has had to fight for everything almost every minute of every day of his life.

I don’t usually add in the “Thanks to the publisher for the Advanced Copy in return for an honest review” that is often the norm for pre-readers. This time I feel compelled to share an “honest review”.

I don’t feel that I am at all qualified to right a review of “Real Life”. I am not young, black, gay, or a biochemist. But I do have thoughts to share. Narratives like that depicted in “Real Life” are not new. But they are stories that for so long have had to be told “in the dark”. They now not only can be told in full light, but they can be written by a talented debut author like Brandon Taylor, and published and promoted by the wonderful publisher Riverhead.

There is no question that our culture has a long way to go. Awareness does not equal deep understanding. But progress has clearly been made and for that we should be proud. Wonderful novels like “Real Life” help us continue the fight for diversity, equality, and respect for every living being.

Thank you, Riverhead and NetGalley for the eArc.