The Revelation of Dionne Daphne Review
Mara Brock Akil Takes Us Back to the ’90s
A Familiar Name
Mara Brock Akil has been a major name behind some of your favorite media for decades. One of her most recent projects is the series Forever, currently available on Netflix, and season two has just wrapped production.
So, when I saw that The Revelation of Dionne Daphne was written by this familiar name, I leaned in.
I am part of so many book groups that the algorithm was giving me all sorts of reviews, both good and mediocre. I’m one to take in all opinions and then make up my own mind, so I leaned in even more.
Early ’90s Nostalgia
The book follows Dionne Daphne, a successful beauty editor for Essence magazine in the beloved early ’90s.
At this point, I’m giddy because, what do you mean, early ’90s? I was finishing up middle school and headed toward my life as a professional high-schooler at the top of the food chain.
But from the beginning of the book, you are thrown into a very sensitive topic of the time: HIV.
The book follows Daphne through a finite period of time as she deals with some heavy news.
In addition to that news, Daphne is forced to confront her past, and we, the readers, are in deep with our mouths dropped.
Past Meets Present
During this time, she encounters a most unlikely partner, Dominic, a man with a past and some wisdom to back it up.
A brilliant idea brings them together for a project that could propel both of their careers.
As the story unfolds, Dionne reveals many life-changing aspects of her life, and now the past and present are intertwining to reveal the truest version of herself.
My Take
I enjoyed the book very much and wholeheartedly recommend that you give it a listen or a read—or both.
Immersion-reader respect.
Anyway, may the piece be with you, and happy reading.
