This graphic novel takes me back. I remember the times my mother would take me to the salon to get my kinky hair straight and under control. But, when I started living on my own, I eschewed the practice and for one reason: it was too expensive and I wanted to allocating my discretionary spending for other, better things—like movies, opera and the ballet.
Black people everywhere and anywhere will relate to Marlene’s dilemma. She’s told just what “good” hair is supposed to be like. It should be straight, silky, flowing and gleaming, like something on a Disney princess. Heck, even Moana’s hair fits that description. (Thank goodness for Merida, huh?)
But Marlene’s hair isn’t like that. Her hair reminds you of tangled jungle vines. It’s wild, exuberant, lush and plentiful. You want to dive into it and snuggle it to your bosom like a warm, woolly blanket. It’s bold and outgoing, just like Marlene herself.
Somehow hair is entangled with other aspects of human nature. Hair is supposed to be manageable, docile and easily malleable. It should complement a lady's deportment not get in people's way. You feel for Marlene when others around her don’t appreciate her hair, manners or style. She’s a lovely young lady but her self-esteem takes hard hits from people who are supposed to support her.
Marlene, like her hair, is not manageable. Other women's hair are pointed out to her as what hair--and by extension Marlene herself--is supposed to be like and she comes to resent the comparison.
The illustrations are colorful and the panels take us solidly into the story and Marlene’s mindset. I really liked it and recommend it for any child who’s had it with the pain of hot combs and curlers.
Black people everywhere and anywhere will relate to Marlene’s dilemma. She’s told just what “good” hair is supposed to be like. It should be straight, silky, flowing and gleaming, like something on a Disney princess. Heck, even Moana’s hair fits that description. (Thank goodness for Merida, huh?)
But Marlene’s hair isn’t like that. Her hair reminds you of tangled jungle vines. It’s wild, exuberant, lush and plentiful. You want to dive into it and snuggle it to your bosom like a warm, woolly blanket. It’s bold and outgoing, just like Marlene herself.
Somehow hair is entangled with other aspects of human nature. Hair is supposed to be manageable, docile and easily malleable. It should complement a lady's deportment not get in people's way. You feel for Marlene when others around her don’t appreciate her hair, manners or style. She’s a lovely young lady but her self-esteem takes hard hits from people who are supposed to support her.
Marlene, like her hair, is not manageable. Other women's hair are pointed out to her as what hair--and by extension Marlene herself--is supposed to be like and she comes to resent the comparison.
The illustrations are colorful and the panels take us solidly into the story and Marlene’s mindset. I really liked it and recommend it for any child who’s had it with the pain of hot combs and curlers.