Ika Hügel-Marshall

Invisible Woman is a heartbreaking, eye-opening story about how racism and the aftermath of World War II, where there were many children of black American soldiers who were left behind in Germany after the peace treaty was signed. In a country recovering from war and Nazi propaganda, it wasn’t the most ideal location for these children to grow up. Ika tells the story of her life and her struggle to be seen as a capable, intelligent black woman within a racist German society.

In spite of the profound and difficult subject matter, this is a relatively fast read. Ika tells her story matter-of-factly, even when relating horrible tales of how she was treated in her orphanage and school (which made it even more horrible, honestly). The style of writing is simple enough to speed through, which makes it so easy to connect with Ika’s story itself since I didn’t have to grapple with fancy language or metaphors. I was completely immersed in her story and rooting for her the whole way.

It’s a story of a search for identity and belonging; when everyone keeps telling Ika she is inferior (even though she knows she isn’t), she struggles with finding a place where she feels like she belongs. This includes trying to find a group to accept her within her country, while also searching for her American father’s family, so she can get to know the black side of her family. The most heart-warming part is when she is finally able to meet up with her American family; it’s beautiful how whole-heartedly her family welcomes her and makes her feel just as if she belonged. I was worried about how her father’s wife would treat her, but she was gracious and welcoming, which Ika was grateful for.

I think this is an excellent and important read. It gives a fuller picture of what it means to be black in a society that privileges white people, and reading about Ika’s journey growing up and finding herself is an inspiration.

Also posted on Purple People Readers.… (más)