Nobody’s Magic

DEBUT The three novellas comprising this debut fiction from noted poet and essayist Birdsong each features an albino Black woman as its main character. In the title piece, a coming-of-age story in which a father exerts total control over his wife and only child, the extremely overprotected Suzette gains her adulthood and some control of her life through making decisions, taking action, and exploring her sexuality. In the second story, “Bottled Water,” Maple grieves over the drive-by shooting death of her mother. To say that Maple’s grief is powerfully wrought is an understatement, as Birdsong excels at evoking savagely strong emotions. The third story, “Mind the Prompt,” involves Agnes, a college graduate with deep personal problems who lashes out against her “perfect” sister. She finally comes to the realization that she cannot deny her family and doesn’t need a man for her own happiness.