THE OTHER BLACK GIRL

Zakiya Dalila Harris

BLOOMSBURY, RRP$29.99

Twenty-six-year-old Nella Rogers is on the way to her dream job. Wagner Books is one of the most highly regarded publishing houses in New York City and two years ago Nella started working there. Two years is a long time being the only one; the only black person working in an all-white environment. Enter Harlem-born Hazel who moves into the cubicle next to Nella. Initially the two women appear to be the best of friends. Nella and Hazel find much in common and begin to exchange views on the personalities at Wagner and the politics of the publishing world. Nella soon becomes envious of Hazel’s ability to be outspoken and decides to follow her lead. Unfortunately for Nella, providing an honest critique to a best selling author about his latest novel does not bode well. Instead of praise and recognition for her emerging skills as a great future editor, Nella’s downfall begins. Nella soon receives the first anonymous note, ‘Leave Wagner Now.’ Could Hazel be behind a campaign to oust Nella from Wagner?

VITTORIA BON

VERDICT: A Manhattan thriller.