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Brown Girl in the Room
Sara Ramnarine is just starting out her career in Toronto, a city that is touted as one of the most cosmopolitan in the world with its motto, “Diversity is our Strength.” As a smart, driven, educated, contemporary woman, Sara assumes her rise up the corporate ladder will be seamless. But she soon discovers that the workplace is full of pitfalls and obstructions, including discrimination and racism. Eventually, Sara is forced to make a critical decision that affects her career and state of mind, risking her reputation for years to come.
- GenresCanada
345 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2026
About the author
Priya Ramsingh
3 books12 followersWhen I was growing up, my mother enforced a rule in our house that Saturday trips to the local public library were mandatory. Although she wasn't an academic herself, she had the insight to push us into loving literature.
My brother, sister and I would walk down the street to the Albion Public Library and choose books for the week. I found myself absorbed in the stories. It spurred my own craft, and when I wasn't reading I was behind closed doors, in my room writing.
When my Grade 5 teacher gave me a certificate for story writing, I realized who I wanted to be.
It took me a long time, but I needed to live before I could write. One day, I sat down in front of my computer, and Brown Girl in the Room, came to life.
My first short story, Pies for Lunch was published by the Caribbean Writer in 2021 and shortlisted for the Canute A. Broadhurst Prize for short fiction.
My second novel, The Elevator was published by Palimpsest Press in 2024.
My brother, sister and I would walk down the street to the Albion Public Library and choose books for the week. I found myself absorbed in the stories. It spurred my own craft, and when I wasn't reading I was behind closed doors, in my room writing.
When my Grade 5 teacher gave me a certificate for story writing, I realized who I wanted to be.
It took me a long time, but I needed to live before I could write. One day, I sat down in front of my computer, and Brown Girl in the Room, came to life.
My first short story, Pies for Lunch was published by the Caribbean Writer in 2021 and shortlisted for the Canute A. Broadhurst Prize for short fiction.
My second novel, The Elevator was published by Palimpsest Press in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 13, 2017
When a book is able to make you reflect on your own life experiences and reminds you of some of the issues that still exist to this day, you know it is extremely well written!
The author did a superb job in providing readers with real life situations that many minorities in Canada face today when they enter the "real world." Through Sara we learn about how she was an ambitious women trying to climb the ladder only to find out that she would have to overcome challenging obstacles that would make her question herself at times.
Brown Girl in the Room is a terrific read and really brings to light the issues many minorities in Canada face each and every day. From being well written to the level of detail (which really allows the reader to feel what Sara is going through) I would HIGHLY recommend this to book anyone who is looking for a amazing book to read.
The author did a superb job in providing readers with real life situations that many minorities in Canada face today when they enter the "real world." Through Sara we learn about how she was an ambitious women trying to climb the ladder only to find out that she would have to overcome challenging obstacles that would make her question herself at times.
Brown Girl in the Room is a terrific read and really brings to light the issues many minorities in Canada face each and every day. From being well written to the level of detail (which really allows the reader to feel what Sara is going through) I would HIGHLY recommend this to book anyone who is looking for a amazing book to read.
February 24, 2019
"And you, my dear, are someone they want in the room, but they don't want you to make too much noise or be too visible." Priya Ramsingh's Brown Girl In The Room has a wonderful protagonist who's easy to root for. This is a story that needs to be read.
December 6, 2017
Brown Girl in the Room gets you emotionally involved from the start and both the title and jacket picture are apropos. Linguistically much stronger than it appears at the outset, the book has a powerful cast of co-workers to the main character and it's into this setting in a public relations firm that Sara innocently steps. But Sara - a young woman of diverse heritage - grasps an essential fact after a few days on the job....there are political overtones present. And while she does have a few cohorts who cover her back, this side of Sara is played down as she strives to thrive. A good deal of the plot occurs at the office where there are petty jealousies, unwarranted promotions and shady alliances occurring.
While all this was going on, an interesting sideline was devoted to a beefy boss whose idea of a balanced meal was to have a chocolate éclair in each hand. But wait, there's more. Another office denizen was in cahoots with him and conspiratorial hints appear. I wanted more of my two favourite villainesses since Miranda Priestly of Devil Wears Prada fame, and their relationship with Sara provides the essence of why this novel succeeds. To put it simply and with spoiler alert klaxon sounding - Sara runs afoul of these two and needs all her marketplace coping skills just to survive.
Another major positive is the Toronto setting, replete with familiar city landmarks and easily recognized locales. Writer Ramsingh puts you right into the heart of the city, but with an emphasis on its growing diversity. The obvious discrimination emanating from some characters seemed to resonate more out of fear and insecurity, rather than out of racism and the author has a decent balance on this.
Although the referent group is feminine, there are appealing male characters throughout and male readers would gain interesting insights into the problems that women of diversity have to face in the labour force. That's because there is a rich infusion of subtlety in Sara's mindset, so rich as not to be ignored and although less so with other characters, this dynamic is powerful. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, principally the characters and their interactions. And if the ending leaves you wishing that there would be a sequel, then maybe you've got a top piece of work on your hands.
While all this was going on, an interesting sideline was devoted to a beefy boss whose idea of a balanced meal was to have a chocolate éclair in each hand. But wait, there's more. Another office denizen was in cahoots with him and conspiratorial hints appear. I wanted more of my two favourite villainesses since Miranda Priestly of Devil Wears Prada fame, and their relationship with Sara provides the essence of why this novel succeeds. To put it simply and with spoiler alert klaxon sounding - Sara runs afoul of these two and needs all her marketplace coping skills just to survive.
Another major positive is the Toronto setting, replete with familiar city landmarks and easily recognized locales. Writer Ramsingh puts you right into the heart of the city, but with an emphasis on its growing diversity. The obvious discrimination emanating from some characters seemed to resonate more out of fear and insecurity, rather than out of racism and the author has a decent balance on this.
Although the referent group is feminine, there are appealing male characters throughout and male readers would gain interesting insights into the problems that women of diversity have to face in the labour force. That's because there is a rich infusion of subtlety in Sara's mindset, so rich as not to be ignored and although less so with other characters, this dynamic is powerful. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, principally the characters and their interactions. And if the ending leaves you wishing that there would be a sequel, then maybe you've got a top piece of work on your hands.
October 28, 2018
The most amazing thing about this book is that Ramsingh had to write about some petty, trivial and subtly racist characters, going about fairly mundane things, and still managed to make a coherent and well flowing novel that I sank into. By the time the author started leading into the conclusion, I thought it was happening too fast. I said, "Hey I'm enjoying this. I want more build up. I'm not ready." And it was quite a climax. So many competing interests - our narrator, several past and present employees, her boss, boss' boss, everyone's partners as well. What a story!
It was also very crafty of the author to write from so many perspectives. She gives us the first person voice of several characters and each one is convincing.
Ramsingh was able to show this privileged, white male reader how subtly racist and sexist so much of society still is. It was quite a revelation - and something I don't often think about. Even among the "ethnic minority" characters, there was still a wide difference of opinion.
After this first novel, I'm curious to see where Ramsingh goes from here.
It was also very crafty of the author to write from so many perspectives. She gives us the first person voice of several characters and each one is convincing.
Ramsingh was able to show this privileged, white male reader how subtly racist and sexist so much of society still is. It was quite a revelation - and something I don't often think about. Even among the "ethnic minority" characters, there was still a wide difference of opinion.
After this first novel, I'm curious to see where Ramsingh goes from here.
November 13, 2017
A very interesting story that speaks to the reality of what it's like to be a visible minority and a professional in a city that calls itself "diverse".
Although it is a fiction, the author's story is very realistic. As a visible minority with the same profession as main character Sara, and as a resident of the Greater Toronto Area, I can say that Sara's experiences and insecurities are very much like my own and of many close friends. It's a storyline that isn't discussed in popular modern fiction but needs to be told. Ramsingh takes an interesting writing approach by having the story unfold through the perspectives of multiple key characters. This gives us an understanding of each character and their motives.
I would highly recommend this book. It's well written and very interesting - exactly what a book should be. I can't wait to finish it!
Although it is a fiction, the author's story is very realistic. As a visible minority with the same profession as main character Sara, and as a resident of the Greater Toronto Area, I can say that Sara's experiences and insecurities are very much like my own and of many close friends. It's a storyline that isn't discussed in popular modern fiction but needs to be told. Ramsingh takes an interesting writing approach by having the story unfold through the perspectives of multiple key characters. This gives us an understanding of each character and their motives.
I would highly recommend this book. It's well written and very interesting - exactly what a book should be. I can't wait to finish it!
January 6, 2018
This is a great read! I especially enjoyed the unique perspective of the main character, Sara, who faces all kinds of challenges at work, partly because her Caribbean heritage is somehow not ethnic enough for some of her colleagues. I related to Sara's struggles as she slowly recognizes what she is up against and fights for justice. The story is compelling and pulled me in with its vivid description of a toxic workplace and very real, horrible colleagues. This poisonous work environment is so well depicted that from beginning to end I easily believed that such a place likely exists – a testament to the author's skill.
March 14, 2018
Brown Girl in the Room is a fantastic first novel from a talented writer.
The characters are complex; all have redeeming qualities, and all are flawed. Their relationships illustrate the gaps between perception and reality, and how our sense of the world -- and ultimately our actions -- are shaped not only by our history and beliefs, but also by our willingness to recognize and challenge our own biases.
Ramsingh tackles tough issues with sensitivity and honesty, never sensationalizing nor turning away. A thoughtful story that will stay with you long after you've finished.
The characters are complex; all have redeeming qualities, and all are flawed. Their relationships illustrate the gaps between perception and reality, and how our sense of the world -- and ultimately our actions -- are shaped not only by our history and beliefs, but also by our willingness to recognize and challenge our own biases.
Ramsingh tackles tough issues with sensitivity and honesty, never sensationalizing nor turning away. A thoughtful story that will stay with you long after you've finished.
January 5, 2018
All too realistic and relatable to anyone who's dealt with office politics and difficult co-workers. I love how the author humanizes even the bad characters in the beginning and wish she had kept them three-dimensional and developing all the way through as they began to feel a bit repetitive after a while. Also the ending is a bit abrupt as I wished to get more of a resolution to some things brought up near the end.
November 15, 2017
An authentic narrative of the realities faced at workplaces and in people's lives. This is a story that needs to be read and reflected upon for society to evolve. It leads the reader to realize the importance of inclusiveness. The description is effective. The thoughts, doubts and stress of the characters are well articulated. A great read.
February 2, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, though I thought the editing could have been a bit better at some points. As I am working in a similar field, it was quite interesting, but I have to admit: I cannot relate to her experiences AT ALL, thank God! I think this is an important story, and I'd recommend everyone who is interested in how racism impacts society, and especially POC.
January 27, 2018
A young woman born in Toronto of Caribbean parentage gets a job at a PR firm where “Diversity is our Strength”. Unfortunately Sara encounters many roadblocks, criticism, at this job. It is such a good read, there were times I was frustrated with her colleagues and Managers.
July 4, 2023
I enjoyed Priya's novel on many levels. The first is because it gave me an insight I would never have been exposed to otherwise: the plight of a young female BIPOC professional and the challenges she faces in the workplace and in her love life. Toronto is billed as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, but that doesn't mean people of colour don't encounter discrimination and obstacles not faced by white people like myself. The strength of the novel to me, however, were Priya's characters. I found them realistic and sympathetic. I know Priya based some of the book on her own experiences and that insight rings true in her storytelling. The book is engaging and honest, which is a gift to readers.
February 12, 2025
“Yeah, you push dem back. A double whammy. One, you are brown. Second, you stand up. They don’t like that.”
This felt like a gut punch, simply because it is an uncomfortable reality. With DEI initiatives being rolled back, south of our border, this story has become all the more relevant. The challenges that Sara faces in her work environment are an everyday struggle for many of us. But this is not a story of despair, it is one of hope. The expertly woven characters are believable, relatable, and feel almost plucked out of actual office corridors. I cheered for Sara as she took a stand for herself. I could see myself in her. Perhaps other readers will too.
This felt like a gut punch, simply because it is an uncomfortable reality. With DEI initiatives being rolled back, south of our border, this story has become all the more relevant. The challenges that Sara faces in her work environment are an everyday struggle for many of us. But this is not a story of despair, it is one of hope. The expertly woven characters are believable, relatable, and feel almost plucked out of actual office corridors. I cheered for Sara as she took a stand for herself. I could see myself in her. Perhaps other readers will too.
May 12, 2026
Priya Ramsingh peels away the slick corporate curtain to reveal the hypocrisy and cruelty of bureaucratic work culture. With a cast of complex, multidimensional characters and a relatable heroine who finds herself up against the double glass ceiling of racism and misogyny, this is essential reading for our times.
March 6, 2022
What a honest reflection of what Indo Caribbean women face on a daily basis in Ontario…be seen and not heard! Love this book! Great read your to understand the complexities of subtle racism and “ knowing your place”
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews