SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Gloomy Girl Variety Show: A Memoir

by Freda Epum
The Feminist Pr. at CUNY. Jan. 2025. 224p. ISBN 9781558613102. pap. $17.95. MEMOIR
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In her first memoir, writer and artist Epum (author of the chapbooks Input/Output and Entryways into memories that might assemble me) shares her story of growing up in the American suburbs as the daughter of Nigerian parents and describes her struggle with a life-threatening mental illness. The book is a collage of poetry, art, and short “slice of life” essays that follow Epum’s journey in search of a place of belonging. The memoir is not written in a typical paragraph and chapter format; instead, it’s organized into three main sections employing a juxtaposition of different writing styles that allow for Epum’s many facets and experiences to be effectively conveyed to readers. Each piece is short and easy to read but skillfully crafted as Epum successfully describes her pain with emotion and humor.
VERDICT This well-written and engaging memoir is recommended for readers wishing to better understand the experience of mental illness or anyone who can relate to Epum’s search for belonging.
Reviewed by Kathaleen McCormick , Dec 01, 2024
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