Chilling . . . there’s some twisty psychology going on here. Two teenaged Black girls (Cherish and Farrah) so much the same yet existing in different socioeconomic situations play toxic games to prove loyalty.
This novel explores an underlying cultural theme of racial bias and guilt. Cherish grows up enabled and spoiled, her Caucasian parents (who are major apologists trying to atone through adoption), leave her with a naivety to the real world beyond her protective parental walls.
Farrah is plagued by persistent paranoid ideations, thoughts often fueled and supported by consistent reminders that she is held to a different societal standard than her best friend. The girls keep each other close by trauma bonding . . . strengthening their trust and camaraderie in the face of perceived threats to the sisterly union. This one is a conversation starter and the ending is a real shocker.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Dutton for an advanced copy of Cherish Farrah for my unbiased evaluation. 3 stars
