Gorilla, My Love by Toni Cade Bambara

Shhhhhh!!!

Toni Cade Bambara’s Gorilla, My Love shines with the bold, unapologetic energy of its narrator, Hazel—a young girl whose perspective is as fiery as it is captivating. The story invites us into Hazel's world, where she navigates love, family, and the complexity of promises with a childlike clarity that feels both endearing and incisive. Hazel’s voice isn’t just precocious; it’s brimming with a rebellious honesty that cuts straight to the heart of grown-up contradictions. Through her eyes, we see the layers of family dynamics, the nuances of love, and the weight of societal issues like race, gender, and culture—all without ever losing the charm of her innocence.

What makes Hazel’s perspective so compelling is its raw authenticity. She doesn’t sugarcoat her feelings or filter her thoughts, giving the narrative an unvarnished truthfulness. Her sense of justice, however youthful and absolute, forces us to reconsider the compromises adults often make in navigating the world.

Gorilla, My Love is an invitation to remember the clarity and conviction of childhood—a time when the world’s complexities were viewed through a lens of pure, unyielding honesty. Bambara masterfully uses Hazel’s voice to explore deeper societal themes while keeping the narrative light and approachable. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes, the most profound insights come from those who are still learning how the world works.

You can read this story HERE.