Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
FROM AN AWARD-WINNING JAMAICAN NOVELIST COMES THIS BEAUTIFULLY LAYERED PORTRAIT OF MOTERHOOD, IMMIGRATION AND SACRIFICE
Patsy yearns to escape the beautiful but impoverished Jamaican town where she was raised for a new life in New York and the chance to start afresh. Above all, she hopes to be reunited with her oldest friend, Cicely, and to rekindle their young love. But spreading her wings will come at a price: she must leave her five-year-old daughter, Tru, behind. And Patsy is soon confronted by the stark reality of life as an undocumented migrant in a hostile city.
Expertly evoking the jittery streets of New York and the languid rhythms and lilting patois of Jamaica, Patsy weaves between the lives of Patsy and Tru as mother and daughter ultimately find a way back to one another. Daring, tender and profound, this is the story of one woman's fight to discover her sense of self in a world that tries to define her, and of the lasting threads of love stretching across years and oceans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes themes of abandonment and the emotional turmoil experienced by Patsy's daughter, Tru, who struggles with depression and self-harm as a result of her mother's absence. Additionally, the story touches on the abusive relationship of Cicely, Patsy's love interest. No scary content detected in the search results.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have violence?
The narrative includes themes of abandonment and the emotional turmoil experienced by Patsy's daughter, Tru, who struggles with depression and self-harm as a result of her mother's absence. Additionally, the story touches on the abusive relationship of Cicely, Patsy's love interest.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have scary content?
No scary content detected in the search results.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have religious themes?
The story includes references to Patsy's mother being obsessed with religion, which impacts the family dynamics and contributes to the challenges faced by Patsy. This aspect highlights the influence of religious beliefs on personal relationships.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have racial/cultural content?
The book examines the intersection of race, gender, and immigration, portraying the struggles of Black, queer women in a society that marginalizes them. It discusses institutional racism and the impact of poverty on personal relationships.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have profanity?
No profanity detected in the search results.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have sexual identity?
The book addresses themes of sexuality through the relationship between Patsy and Cicely, exploring the complexities of love and desire in the context of immigration and personal sacrifice.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have gender roles?
The narrative explores themes of motherhood and the societal expectations placed on women, particularly regarding the sacrifices they make for their families. It addresses the struggles of being an absent mother and the complexities of female identity.
Does Patsy Winner of the LAMBDA Literary Award 2020 have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features a queer immigrant mother, Patsy, who seeks freedom and connection with her childhood friend turned lover, Cicely. The narrative explores the complexities of their relationship and the challenges faced by queer individuals, particularly those who are also Black and immigrant.
