Overall, I found the book to be a noble attempt in addressing issues of "self-discovery" as it particularly relates to black women.  Through the sister-like relationship of the two main characters, Chlöe and Michael (a woman), the author makes her statement by writing Chlöe to exemplify the clichéd myth of what is so often perceived by young African-American women as the proverbial "strong black woman."  By this, Chlöe is emotionally challenged in her ability to love and is emotionally defensive in accepting love.  She is focused on her career and has taught herself (and Michael as well) to never let a man (a relationship) hinder her from her dreams and to be emotionally, financially and professionally independent in order to become successful. To her it is almost more important to act the part of that "superwoman" who can handle anything, and to fill her emotional void with success to the detriment of realizing that she is a real woman with vulnerabilities, emotional challenges and needs.  She feels that addressing those needs and challenges through a loving relationship only distracts her from being the successful artist and person she feels she needs to be.  She eventually becomes successful later in life, only to realize that she is alone and still unfulfilled; having thrown away the chance to be truly loved several years earlier.  At this self-discovery, she feels obligated to "save" her friend Michael, who has idolized her image and almost parallels her own life with Chlöe's.  Through her own emotional awakening, Chlöe stops Michael just in time from walking away from a man who truly loves her and living an empty life alone. The story idea is a good one; unfortunately, with the way it was written, it wasn't until the end of the book when the point of the story became evident and the characters' rationale became justified.

 

The book also tries to shed some insight into the Afro-European experience by making mention of the perception of race and nationality.  The comparison of the African, Afro-Caribbean, African-American, and biracial experiences were sparsely presented.  Although some of these experiences were addressed more than others, and it was clearly written very much from an African-American perspective, it seems that many of the characters and their relationships with each other could have been developed more and given more of a voice in regards to their experiences.

 

I also found the writing style to be a bit too "flowery" and arty to be written in the first person that it was a bit unbelievable and somewhat distracting.  In fact, much of the story and characters seemed very cliche and somewhat predictable, which is only redeemed towards the end when the reader realizes the point of it all.  Although, the very end of the book somewhat spoils that small victory by being such a  "happily-ever-after, syrupy-sweet, Kodak-moment" type of ending.

 

Suffice it to say, I would agree that the book illustrated valid issues through what could have been a very interesting and touching story; however, because of the way it was written, it didn't completely work in my opinion.  I wouldn’t rate it as a disappointment or a failure at all, but then again I wouldn't rate it as an all-star best seller or a "must read", either.