Reni Eddo-Lodge has become the first British black woman to top the paperback non-fiction chart – but the author has expressed sadness about the circumstances around this achievement.
Reni first published her seminal book – Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race – in 2017, but there has been a significant boost in reader demand since the Black Lives Matter protests and racial inequality have become part of the international conversation.
‘Well, the numbers are in,’ she wrote on Twitter. ‘I’m the first and only black woman to top Britain’s non-fiction book bestseller chart.
‘Can’t help but be dismayed by this – the tragic circumstances in which this achievement came about.’
She also expressed disappointment and disbelief that it had taken so long for a Black female author to make it to the top of this chart.
‘The fact that it’s 2020 and I’m the first. Let’s be honest. Reader demand aside, that it took this long is a horrible indictment of the publishing industry,’ she added.
‘But a huge achievement nonetheless, to be able to cut through the noise and make an impact,’ wrote one supporter in response to her tweet.
‘It never feels like a plaudit when there should have been many that came before you,’ added another.
‘But also it is a brilliant book. Thank you for having written it.’
Reni’s bestselling book explores what it means to be Black in the UK, it explores Black history, the exclusionary nature of white feminism and the damaging impact of structural racism.
In the aftermath of global protests against racism and police brutality, the book was shared on countless suggested reading lists as many people made a conscious effort to educate themselves on issues of race.
And Reni’s book isn’t the only one to experience a bittersweet boost of sales.
Bernardine Evaristo also broke records yesterday as she became the first woman of colour to top the UK’s paperback fiction chart with her book Girl, Woman, Other.
Let’s hope that in future it doesn’t take worldwide protests in response to horrific injustice for Black writers to have their achievements recognised.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/11/reni-eddo-lodge-becomes-first-black-woman-top-non-fiction-chart-dismayed-reason-why-12836398/
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