Trespassing: My Sojourn in the Halls of Privilege

by Gwendolyn M. Parker

Full of both courage and regret, the memoir of an African-American professional woman describes her rise from a nurturing, middle-class childhood to the top of Wall Street, only to find that racism and sexism still prevail there. Reprint.

Genres: Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Miriam Murcutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes for easy reading in style, if not in content. It is short, well-written and insightful as it gives a glimpse of the prejudices faced in America by an intelligent, educated, black woman. It was the black American perspective which I found most interesting. Later in the book, when the author writes about the obstacles she faced as a lawyer in the business world, she cites many issues that any woman might face in business rather than specifically a black woman. As a woman who has worked in a male-dominated profession, I had experienced already some of what she had to say. That made her story less surprising and, therefore, less fresh to me. Her eventual departure from the business world had more to do with her value system than the fact she is black That's fine. But, again, it was a step away from the reason I chose to read this book.

[Beth E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book gave a good look at privilege and how we are affected by it. The author has a privileged background, but acknowledges the barriers she faced due to her race and gender. She describes the accomplishments of her grandparents and describes how they, and her home town of Durham, NC, guided her achievements.

[Chalida · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. Not personal enough for me to be a memoir. Very connected to how this woman made it to the top. Interesting sections about her going to Kent and the descriptions of the Black Power Movement. But otherwise, very detached.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost all finished with this book. It has really opened my eyes. A rare gem. 5 strong stars!!!

[mbaade]

A black woman´s account of her successes in the white world. True story.