A. Friday

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's first book, 'Friday Black,' is a collection of short stories published in 2018. The narratives delve into themes of black identity within the context of current social issues, often set in unsettling, near-future or dystopian environments. The stories examine a wide range of topics, including the complexities of race within the American criminal justice system, the struggles of teenagers supporting their families, and the psychological impact of violence and consumerism.

The titular story, 'Friday Black,' draws inspiration from the post-Thanksgiving shopping holiday, depicting a chaotic and violent consumer frenzy. Other stories explore characters navigating societal pressures, racial prejudice, and the normalization of violence. Adjei-Brenyah employs a style he describes as "magical realism," blending mundane settings with surreal twists to highlight contemporary concerns. The collection received widespread critical acclaim, earning Adjei-Brenyah recognition as one of the National Book Foundation's "5 Under 35 Authors" for 2018 and securing several prestigious literary awards.

Adjei-Brenyah utilizes a blend of near-future and dystopian settings to examine the multifaceted experience of black identity in contemporary America. The stories often place characters in familiar yet warped environments, such as department stores during Black Friday sales, or theme parks that commodify racial prejudice. This surreal approach, which the author terms "magical realism," allows for a heightened exploration of issues like systemic racism, the dehumanizing effects of consumer culture, and the pervasive nature of violence. The narratives frequently confront the audience with uncomfortable truths, pushing the boundaries of hyperbole to underscore the severity of societal ills. Through these speculative scenarios, Adjei-Brenyah aims to foster empathy for marginalized groups and challenge readers' perceptions of reality and violence.

The writing in 'Friday Black' is characterized by its "edgy humor and fierce imagery," coexisting with "shrewd characterization and humane intelligence." Critics have noted the collection's "caustically inventive" nature and its pervasive anger, conveyed with "nuance, grace and a probing empathy." The author's distinctive style, which blends the "prosaic" with the "surreal, disorienting twist," has been instrumental in dissecting complex themes. The book garnered significant critical attention, appearing on best-of lists from publications like Publishers Weekly and BuzzFeed. Its impact led to Adjei-Brenyah being honored by the National Book Foundation and receiving nominations for major literary awards, including the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, which it won.

“Is it hyperbole? I don't know. When you kill someone with a gun or a chainsaw, they're just as dead either way. When I say 'chainsaw,' you have to pay attention.”