The Talk: from the winner of the Pulitzer Prize

Darrin Bell's The Talk is a Guardian Graphic Novel of the Year 2023 and a powerful exploration of how the talk all Black parents must have with their children shaped his life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL
A GUARDIAN GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2023

Darrin Bell was just six years old when his mother imparted a heartbreaking lesson to him: he couldn't possess a realistic water gun. She explained that police often perceive Black boys, even those who are older and less innocent, in a different light. This marked the beginning of a crucial conversation known as "The Talk."

The Ta-Nehisi Coates of comics, GARRY TRUDEAU, the visionary behind Doonesbury, has crafted another American masterpiece. In his poignant and humorous illustrations, Darrin Bell delves into the profound impact that the conversation all Black parents must have with their children had on his personal and public life, spanning from childhood to adulthood. As he grows up in Los Angeles, Bell grapples with the painful realization that he is often viewed as dangerous by white teachers, neighbors, and even police officers, heightening his sense of vulnerability. Through his captivating storytelling, Bell draws attention to the tragic murders of African Americans, offering revealing insights and thought-provoking cartoons along the way.

As we reach the moment of reckoning, marked by the widespread protests against the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Bell finds himself faced with a pivotal decision. He must contemplate whether he and his own six-year-old son are prepared to engage in the same conversation that shaped his upbringing. This introspective journey reflects on the enduring legacy of systemic racism and the urgent need for change.

Darrin Bell's The Talk is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Black individuals in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that the conversation surrounding race and identity is not just a matter of personal reflection but a collective responsibility to build a more inclusive and equitable world. Through his poignant illustrations and thought-provoking narrative, Bell invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to positive change.

Weight: 1252g
Dimension: 187 x 261 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787334526