Wilderson finds an excellent balance between the personal narrative and theory in this text, setting up a deep conversation about Black mental health and how the articulation of Afropessism may be an way to persist through continuous bleak circumstances without relaying on false hope. Wilderson’s perceptive allows for self conception and identity beyond the confines of institution, beyond narratives of toxic positively and considers what rationality can provide a sense of freedom. His theory is denser and more complex than I articulate here, but incredibly important to envisioning Blackness in the future. A text I will be integrating into African American studies.

Wilderson weaves memoir, social justice, and theory into a book that was truly difficult for me to put down. What I love most about his writing is its haunting ability. This is as much a tale about a writer driven to mental instability as it is about Afropessimism. Some scenes are described with such patience (particularly his memories as a child) that one has no choice but to truly digest the horrifying stench of racism. I will be reading this book again and gifting my mother a copy of it. Although Wilderson discusses theory a bit, the writing is not convoluted and I appreciated this. I really enjoyed this book.