New Release: The Blueprint

By Rae Giana Rashad (Feb 2024)

Generational ghosts whisper present truths in this intricate story of female autonomy and racial oppression. Underpinned by a form of slavery mimetic of that detailed by the likes of Atwood and Butler (ownership of the female form), this story shines a light on the experiences of Black women in a dystopian America. This book is not simply fiction - it is deeply literary.

Solenne Bonet lives in a dystopian Texas, where freedom of choice is not afforded to women, especially Black women. An algorithm determines their course of life: it chooses their occupation, residence, and spouse. Generational ghosts make themselves known, as Solenne finds solace in penning the story of her ancestor, Henriette, an enslaved concubine in 1800s Louisiana. 

As is often the case, history repeats itself when Solenne finds herself with Bastien Martin, a government official. Henriette guides Solenne through a tangled web of psychological control, authority, and womanhood, as she must decide whether she should - and how to - leave.

The Blueprint is inspired by real stories of enslaved concubine women. This is a lesser taught string of history that echoes through to the present. Unfolding through layers of time and perspective, The Blueprint explores themes of autonomy, power, and the female body. The author does not present these themes as black or white, but complex, historical, and politically engrained experiences. Her characters are deeply human. What makes this unique is the lens with which Rae Giana Rashad examines these stories; it is the historical and present day voice of Black women.

I could not put this down. It felt as though I was reading what will become a classic. Not only does Rae Giana Rashad tell us lesser heard stories, but she critiques the worldviews which underpin them by placing us within the minds of the characters, forcing us to experience the same complex emotions as Solenne and Henriette. The writing is compelling, and does justice to the harsh themes she explores.

Thank you HarperCollins for this ARC - this one will stay with me for a long time. 

The Blueprint is out on 13th February 2024.