the rise of the struggling artist in post-post-racial america

Danzy Senna's new novel features a biracial protagonist named Jane, who grapples with her identity and aspirations in a complex social landscape. Early in the story, she experiences a moment of personal reckoning when she encounters a Black man, whom she believes could be her future husband, kissing his white girlfriend. This encounter highlights her internal conflicts regarding race and relationships, as she reflects on her feelings of resentment and societal expectations. Jane is a struggling writer living in Los Angeles, attempting to escape genteel poverty by completing her second novel, a sprawling narrative about mixed-race history. Her ambition leads her to work with Hampton Ford, a powerful producer whose ethics are questionable. This partnership creates tension in her marriage with Lenny, a painter who values artistic integrity over commercial success. The novel explores themes of race, marriage, and the challenges of artistic life, as Jane navigates her relationships and the pressures of the entertainment industry. Her interactions with Lenny reveal the complexities of their interracial marriage, as Jane grapples with her discomfort towards interracial love, particularly when the dynamics are reversed. Ultimately, the narrative offers a humorous yet poignant examination of the struggles faced by artists in a society that often commodifies their work. Through Jane's journey, Senna critiques the seductive nature of Hollywood and the personal sacrifices artists make in pursuit of their dreams.