Blackface
Q.B. Wells
ISBN: 9780976806103
Art Official Media
Reviewed By Daria Miles

Official Apex Reviews Rating: 


The lore of contemporary urban fiction is rife with carbon copied, formulaic titles offering the same sensationalized sagas of street life with little redeeming value or meaningful perspective. Thankfully, Blackface is a fresh, standout departure from that mold.

The debut novel by impressive literary talent Q.B. Wells chronicles the intertwined fates of four Black teens immersed in the perpetually unfolding drama of inner city Chicago. Each struggling to cope with a strained home environment, Black, Face, Penny, and Zero are forced to rely on their wits and ever-evolving street savvy to stay one step ahead of the competition – which is often deadly. As if the challenges of being a teenager aren't enough, the boys must also contend with racism, police brutality, criminal peer pressure, and a host of other hurdles, all in an effort to survive and ultimately escape the grim confines of the hood.

The main storyline in Blackface is centered on the arduous emotional journey of Black, born Clinton Ray, whose mother has already lost one son to the streets and is loath to see him to follow the same path. Feeling stifled by her heavy-handed approach to him, Black eventually leaves home, seeking the freedom and acceptance that elude him while still under her roof. His exploits are not uncommon and likely reflect similar struggles that many – if not all – young Black males undergo at such a crucial stage of their development. As he learns more about the outside world – and, by default, himself – Black ultimately realizes that his mother's hard-line stance is designed to protect him from the very dangers he so willingly thrusts himself into. Whether or not he decides to use his newfound wisdom in turning his life around is the ultimate rite of passage that awaits all young Black males in positions just like his.

Blackface is a compelling read, taking the reader on a journey through the everyday struggles of young Black America that the mainstream all too often – and easily – ignores. For a deep, introspective view of lives that hang in a perpetual delicate balance, look no further than this seminal treatise on the ongoing battle of glitter vs. substance. An outstanding instant classic, and a welcome addition to the realm of urban fiction.