Kinky Roots is a memoir about the author's life growing up in Zimbabwe, her young adult life in South Africa and travels in Europe and finally her move to the UK. Arlington's childhood involved a fair amount of change and loss as she was taken in by a variety of family members once her mother married a new man who didn't believe in raising another man's child. Eventually she made her way back to living with her mother and step-father, and then found her plans for the future complete ruled by him. Later, she marries a white man in South Africa, a place where interracial marriages are almost unheard of and very much looked down upon even in post-apartheid times, and explores what race means to her.

Themes of overcoming sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence and toxic relationships, as well as coming of age and finding your way in the world are woven throughout this story. Though there were a few moments where the writing came off as a bit moralizing, for the most part it was a very honest and thoughtful reflection on her own personal experiences navigating relationships and challenges in life, which were easy to relate to and connect with. It was a fairly quick and interesting read and is one I would recommend. Thanks to @netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

A thoughtful and poignant coming of age memoir about finding your way in the world and navigating relationships.

This was a very moving life story, so glad that the author was able to create a good life despite her childhood. So much for her to cope with, her strength either despite it or because of it. Although I enjoyed it, I felt it could have been shorter