City of Light: A Novel

by Cyrus Colter

Paul Kessey, 29, is a man caught between two worlds. Although brought up privileged in Chicago, a Princeton grad, well-travelled, and handsome, he has suffered a dual prejudice. Neither black nor white - the color of his skin is "tawny beige" - Kessey has not only had to fight the racism of his light-skinned mother, Saturn Marie, but also the deep-seated prejudices of his own darker-skinned friends. Now, living in Paris and determined to reclaim his African heritage, Kessey has formed an organization called The Coterie, whose aim is to seek a homeland somewhere on the African continent. As he tries desperately to lead The Coterie to unity and progress, Kessey is haunted by the memory of the now deceased Saturn Marie and is torn by his love affair with Cecile - older, married, and white.

423 pages, Hardcover

First published June 22, 1993

Reviews

[Linda Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it difficult reading but was surprised by the ending. This was written in 1993 and the writing style was not what I am used to (long paragraphs going over multiple pages, long sentences and convoluted thoughts from the narrator). This author won the first University of Iowa School of Letters Award for Short Fiction award, I believe, so it might just be me.