Mecca Jamilah Sullivan

Exquisitely compassionate and witty, Big Girl traces the intergenerational hungers and desires of Black womanhood, as told through the unforgettable voice of Malaya Clondon.

Big Girl

Sarai Johnson

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this book. Malaya’s perspective isn’t always easy to understand. But that’s what I liked about it. I didn’t feel forced to see Malaya a certain way. I also don’t think the author attempts to “justify” Malaya’s choices. It feels… honest, I guess. 

I especially enjoyed Ma-Mere. I like how the author doesn’t out Ma-Mere through an arc (because a woman like her likely wouldn’t have much of one). Instead, Malaya’s perspective of Ma-Mere has an arc. 

I wasn’t a fan of Nyela’s character. She felt very sad, small and childlike for a woman of her accomplishments, but that might have been the point.

I wasn’t totally clear on Malaya’s transformation. Why is she no longer depressed? What changed her mind? Feels like she just woke up and was different… or did I miss something? Will revisit. 

There were a few moments where I wish the narrative paused for reflection. 

Overall, I found it an interesting and meaningful text.

Big Girl

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