Colored Television: A Novel By Danzy Senna

Colored Television by Danzy Senna is a sharp, cultural comedy that explores love, ambition, and the complexities of racial identity. The novel centers on Jane, who is eagerly anticipating a major shift in her life. After a tumultuous period of unstable living arrangements, she and her family are house-sitting in a luxurious hillside home in Los Angeles. This arrangement aligns perfectly with Jane’s sabbatical, offering her the chance to focus on finishing her ambitious second novel, an epic her artist husband, Lenny, humorously dubs “mulatto War and Peace.”

Despite her initial optimism, Jane’s plans unravel. Faced with the need for a backup plan, she turns to Hollywood, where she secures a meeting with Hampton Ford, a charismatic producer with a development deal at a streaming network. They embark on creating a unique comedy series, envisioned as “the Jackie Robinson of biracial comedies.” Jane is hopeful that this collaboration will finally set her on the path to success.

However, what seems like a promising opportunity quickly spirals into chaos. Senna’s novel is both hilarious and incisive, blending sharp wit with deep commentary on racial identity and the entertainment industry. With its engaging narrative and astute observations, Colored Television is praised as Senna’s most ambitious and rewarding work, offering a contemporary take on the struggles and triumphs of a writer navigating personal and professional upheaval. 📚❤️