A perspective shifting read

This has come at a time when I needed to hear it. The highlighted importance of ancestral practices, the documentation of the history of body marking in African and indigenous cultures was mind opening.
Afua, your research and writing are a gift to us.

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It’ll stay with you for a long time

Inspiring book with so much soul and knowledge in each page. An easy listen, yet profound and eye opening

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Wrapped in truth, curiosity and roots,

Whilst I am from Caribbean roots, this book beautifully allows me to connect with what has shaped me and what shape has ironed. I love Afua's narrative, sometime raw with English cultural quirks and then shifts beautifully into a land and roots bathed in blood belonging. Whilst I, a skint Northener who is mixed race and has scant cultural ties, this book explodes the held beliefs that have settle me into a Black British (not so "culturally black") and failing Mixed British ancestrally connected woman. And though I am personally unsure how to navigate this Afua Hirsch's book is a beautiful insight. A marvelous book! Much to think on!

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insightful research

Powerful and reflective. The book encourages further exploration and reading. It was empowering hearing the origins of my ancestral traditions

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Captivating, educational and uplifting!

I loved EVERYTHING about this book! The way each story was interwoven from Afua’s personal life into often forgotten historical facts, was so beautifully articulated and read by Afua herself. Her voice is familiar, soothing and captivating! I would highly recommend this book, I’m really sad it’s over!

Praying her next book is released soon.

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Mind and life changing

Before I read this book I made a whole lot of assumptions about the themes that would be discussed and I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Instead what I received is the gift of why I love reading. The chance to learn and to think and to consider new thoughts.

I often think of my blackness which can be gleaned from the choices of books I’ve read over the years and I’ve never felt a connection with any conventional religion and it’s only been since approaching my 50th birthday in 2024 that I started developing awareness of the possible spiritual practices of my ancestors.

This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Without the influence of this book for my birthday I had 3 tattoos done, then a further two all of significance to me and not yet linked with my ancestors and feel validated that doing what my parents would disapprove of was actually absolutely an ode to my authentic self as is the septum piercing I got.

I know want to experience similar things to what Afua has in her delving into of her ancestral self devoid of colonialistic influence.

If you are a black woman in the diaspora then, dare I say, this is a MUST read.

Thank you Afua.

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Good and authentic work

Good work . I love the hard work behind this audio . She is great and resourceful

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Brilliant

Read by the author… the book came alive and I didn’t want it to stop.
It was like getting schooled by an older sister.
I definitely recommend this for anyone questioning why they have certain views about their or other black or brown bodies and beautifying and self care practices.. ❤️ Thank you Afua

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Insightful & Empowering

It’s a short book, but it’s an insightful and empowering exploration of beauty, gender and race. The idea of freeing oneself from mainstream beauty standards that don’t benefit us really resonated with me. Highly recommended!

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