Ruby Smith Díaz’s Searching for Serafim is an extraordinary exploration of the life and legacy of Serafim "Joe" Fortes, an Afro-Latino immigrant who became Vancouver's first lifeguard and a beloved local hero. Smith Díaz intricately reconstructs Fortes’s life, diving beneath the surface of his celebrated public image to examine how he navigated the racial dynamics of his time. This layered narrative is both an homage and a critical reexamination of a figure who rose to prominence in a society steeped in white supremacy and settler colonialism.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to balance admiration for Fortes’s achievements with an unflinching critique of the systemic racism that shaped his experiences. Smith Díaz draws extensively on historical documents, poetry, and personal reflections, weaving them together to create a narrative that is as much about Fortes as it is about the broader struggles of Black identity and displacement. This approach not only humanizes Fortes but also situates his story within the larger context of racial and colonial dynamics in Canada.

One of the most striking aspects of Searching for Serafim is its emotional resonance. Smith Díaz’s use of poetry and personal narrative lends the book an intimacy that brings Fortes’s story to life. The author’s reflections on her own identity as a Black woman provide a contemporary lens through which to view Fortes’s legacy, making the book deeply relatable for modern readers grappling with questions of belonging and representation.

Fortes’s heroism, particularly his acts of lifesaving and his role in shaping Vancouver’s sense of community, is celebrated, but Smith Díaz does not shy away from addressing the ways in which his story was co-opted and sanitized by a society that otherwise marginalized people like him. This duality is at the heart of the book, challenging readers to think critically about how history remembers figures like Fortes and who gets to tell their stories.

In addition to its historical and cultural insights, Searching for Serafim is a beautifully written work. Smith Díaz’s prose is poetic yet accessible, making complex themes digestible for a wide audience. The book is meticulously researched, yet it never feels bogged down by academic jargon. Instead, it invites readers to engage emotionally and intellectually with Fortes’s story and its implications.

Ultimately, Searching for Serafim is more than a biography; it is a meditation on identity, resilience, and the enduring impact of systemic racism. It is a call to recognize and honor the complexities of historical figures like Fortes, whose lives often defy simple narratives. Ruby Smith Díaz has crafted a powerful and thought-provoking book that not only sheds light on an overlooked figure but also challenges us to confront the ways we tell and preserve history.

For those interested in Canadian history, racial dynamics, or stories of unsung heroes, Searching for Serafim is a must-read. It is a book that lingers in the mind, prompting reflection long after the last page is turned.