The Blueprint Rae: A Novel By Giana Rashad

"The Blueprint" is a searing exploration of misogyny and racism in an alternate United States, where Solenne Bonet grapples with a life devoid of choice. In this dystopian reality, algorithms dictate every aspect of a Black woman's existence, mirroring the historical oppression faced by her ancestors. Solenne seeks refuge in chronicling the life of Henriette, an enslaved concubine, whose story parallels her own struggles for autonomy.

When Solenne becomes entangled with Bastien Martin, a powerful white official, she confronts the same exploitation and objectification experienced by Henriette centuries before. Faced with the suffocating weight of her circumstances, Solenne turns to Henriette's legacy for guidance, grappling with the daunting decision of whether to break free from her predetermined fate.

Rae Giana Rashad crafts a narrative that reverberates with the echoes of history, highlighting the enduring legacy of systemic oppression and the resilience of Black women throughout the ages. Through Solenne's journey, Rashad delves into themes of agency, identity, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma, offering a poignant commentary on the complexities of power dynamics and the struggle for liberation.

Drawing comparisons to literary giants like Octavia E. Butler and Margaret Atwood, "The Blueprint" emerges as a timely and urgent work that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society's treatment of marginalized communities. Rashad's masterful storytelling weaves together past and present, illuminating the enduring struggle for bodily autonomy and self-determination in the face of systemic injustice. 📚❤️