Diving Deep into the World of Color Television: A Book Review

Color television revolutionized how we consume media, and understanding its history and impact is crucial. While this review focuses on a fictional narrative touching upon themes of race, class, and aspiration in Los Angeles, the backdrop of television’s influence subtly permeates the story, making a “Color Television Book” an intriguing lens through which to examine the characters’ lives. This review explores Rion Amilcar Scott’s novel, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses while considering the pervasive influence of television on modern life.

A Writer’s Struggle in the City of Angels

Scott’s novel follows Jane, a biracial writer grappling with her second novel for a decade, and her husband Lenny, a Black abstract painter whose work struggles to find an audience. They live a precarious existence in Los Angeles, moving from temporary housing to cheap rentals, impacting their children and marriage. Jane yearns for stability, a house in an affluent neighborhood, and professional recognition. This pursuit of the American dream, often portrayed through the rosy lens of television, becomes a source of conflict and internal struggle for Jane. The allure of a picture-perfect life, reminiscent of classic television families, clashes with the realities of their financial struggles and artistic pursuits.

Navigating Race and Identity

The novel delves into complex racial dynamics, with Jane’s biracial identity playing a central role. Her choice of the term “mulatto” and the subsequent discussions surrounding it highlight the complexities of racial self-identification. Lenny’s resistance to incorporating racial themes into his art further complicates their relationship and their navigation of the art world. These struggles resonate with the historical evolution of representation on television, where depictions of race and identity have often been fraught with stereotypes and limitations.

A Sharp Wit and Observational Prowess

Scott’s writing shines in its humor and keen observations of human behavior. The depiction of a Kardashian-esque birthday party is a particularly memorable example of the author’s satirical wit. However, the novel suffers from uneven pacing and underdeveloped plotlines. The conflict with a manipulative friend, Brett, feels rushed and unsatisfying. Similarly, Jane’s susceptibility to a blatant con man strains credulity. The narrative would benefit from a deeper exploration of Lenny’s character and his relationship with Jane.

Unrealized Potential

The novel’s brevity, under 300 pages, leaves many threads untied. The storyline about their youngest child’s learning disabilities feels tangential to the central narrative. A potential legal issue is introduced but abruptly abandoned. These underdeveloped plot points detract from the overall impact of the story. While Scott’s writing demonstrates undeniable talent, the novel falls short of its potential due to these narrative shortcomings.

A Promising Debut with Room for Growth

Despite its flaws, the novel offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of artists struggling to balance ambition, family, and identity in a city obsessed with image. Scott’s wit and insightful observations make for an engaging read. While the novel may not be a definitive “color television book,” it offers a nuanced portrayal of characters striving for a better life, often influenced by the aspirational imagery projected by the media. Hopefully, future works will fully realize the promise shown in this debut.