Half-Caste: Decidedly Brown in a Black or White World

by Jerome Cranston

Part social commentary and very much a memoir, Decidedly Brown in a Black or White World, describes and examines the contemporary pressures that many people from multiracial and mixed ethnicities face in developing their racialized social identity so that they and others may feel comfortable with who they are and how they identify themselves in their own skin. By exploring personal and sensitive topics, such as ethnic and racialized identity formation and drawing on the racism he faced, Jerome Cranston offers insight to the struggles of coming to terms with accepting and declaring his identity as being decidedly Brown.

Throughout Decidedly Brown in a Black or White World, Cranston shares the challenges and ultimate discovery of his understanding and acceptance that his being Brown is more than just a statement of an identity, it is an understanding of who he is, how he will relate to others and how he will flourish in a world that is divided along ethnic and racialized lines.

120 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2023

Reviews

[Nikki Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important read for anyone who's interested in learning more about systemic racism and the seemingly innocuous (at least to Whites) ways it's practiced. He doesn't shy away from blatant racism either. Nor does he pull punches when examining the effects of racism on his life and sense of self-worth. His honesty is moving and his journey inspiring.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Half-Caste by Jerome Cranston, readers journey alongside the protagonist as he delves into his family’s history and grapples with his identity as a Brown individual with South Asian heritage in a predominantly white society. Through reflections on his parents’ past, discussions on racial terminology, and the complexities of societal recognition, Cranston weaves an introspective narrative that combines family history, memory, and the challenges of self-acceptance.

Half-Caste offers a profound exploration into personal identity and the sociopolitical implications of race. The strength of the book lies in its nuanced handling of the protagonist’s journey through introspection and external interactions. Cranston skillfully navigates complex themes, emphasizing the protagonist’s internal struggles, from confronting discrepancies in his family’s history to navigating challenging social conversations.

While I enjoyed the book, I felt there were moments where the narrative felt somewhat didactic, particularly in discussions surrounding racial terminologies. While these insights were enlightening, I feel that a more subtle integration might have kept the pacing consistent. Nonetheless, the author’s style is engaging, blending personal reflections with broader societal critiques.

The setting, although not explicitly detailed in the summaries, seems to be a contemporary, Western context. This backdrop amplifies the protagonist’s feelings of being ‘othered’, reinforcing the book’s themes of belonging and identity. Characters such as Hardy, Delilah, and the protagonist’s supervisor provide external perspectives, driving the story forward and adding depth to the protagonist’s introspection.

One of the standout aspects is the book’s emphasis on the fluidity of identity. The idea that identity is continually evolving and not bound by societal constructs is a powerful takeaway, and Cranston’s protagonist beautifully exemplifies this sentiment. By the end, readers are left pondering their perceptions, biases, and the inherent complexities of racial identity.

Half-Caste is a compelling read that offers a deep dive into the intricacies of identity and the quest for self-acceptance amidst societal prejudices.

[Kelly Kluger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. Author Jerome Cranston lays his heart out for all of us. Growing up Brown in a Black or White world, facing racism on a regular basis from both friends and strangers. I can only imagine how it felt to walk in his shoes growing up, but now I can feel at least parts of it a little more clearly. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book and to examine their own assumptions and biases about other people as we walk through this world.

[Beth Bauman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it in one setting: Dr. Cranston writes in an engaging narrative voice: a conversational style that sucks us into the first-person memoir.