The Other Side of Paradise by Staceyann Chin (2009) Relationship: Book Review

Abstract

The Other Side of Paradise is a memoir written by Staceyann Chin (2009) in which she portrays the true nature of being a woman of color. This coming of age memoir presents the attributes of black women who are at times devalued and negatively portrayed by Eurocentric critics. It is through her independent self-definition and her thoughts about racism and sexism that she is able to put an end to false Eurocentric assumptions. In Chin’s (2009) memoir, she explores the reality that women of color have strong personalities and powers through sisterhood and motherhood that are symbols of unity between black women. By using spirituality as an anodyne, she was able to achieve patience and inner strength, tested by a racist society.