I’ve been asked more than once, “When are you going to write a book?”
At least now I can say, “Go read ‘Colored Television‘ and then ask me that.”
It’s a natural question to ask of someone that loves to both read and write. And I am sure there are plenty of life experiences from which I can pull storylines. But here, in this story of a writer, professor, wife and mother all rolled into one, trying to navigate a sophomore novel that’s turned into a 10-year quest for her magnum opus, I can imagine what that journey could look like. And it’s hard. Not bleak, but really hard.
I’ve had “Colored Television” on my TBR shelf since late last year, and it’s yet another one of many that I am kicking myself for not picking up earlier. Senna’s tale of love and marriage and work and the lies we tell ourselves in between the roles we all play is simply, fantastic. Jane and Lenny’s public-facing personas are that of wannabe righteousness and it’s all well-intentioned, but behind the scenes they fall into personal comfort zones of binge-watching reality TV and standing tennis dates with doctor friends. You do what you do to manage.
As Jane closes in on completion of her second novel dissecting the multi-racial experience in America, she longs for what she would like to eschew — the benefits of tenure and a Craftsman-style home in the hills. When forced to pivot to maintain footing on the path she thought she was safely on, Jane has to reckon with her fidelity to her personal integrity. Just how far is she willing to go for what she wants and is it still the dream she’s been shooting for all along?
The universe in which Jane and Lenny and Ruby and Finn live in is a testament to Senna’s skill as a writer — it’s never too extra as to fall off a literary cliff into “Yeah that’d never happen.” The pain that comes with not being able to deliver as any mother wants to for their kids is right there on the page. And those moments when you look at your partner and wonder, “Is this what I signed up for?” — Senna nails it.
“Colored Television” is a fast-paced, highly entertaining and easy to get wrapped up in kind of read. It’s also a great book for book club, as the characters’ choices are going to hit different. Lots to debate.
Looking for another suggestion? My review index is full of them.
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