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‘Black Buck’ by Mateo Askaripour

A debut novel that packs quite a punch

Narrated from a first-person perspective, Black Buck is the story of Darren, a young boy in his early twenties who is lured into the glossy world of a start-up by the name of Sumwum. After a gruelling week of training, Darren, who is the only black employee at the company, soon takes on the name of ‘Buck’ and redefines his personality. Buck is an unrelenting salesman hell bent on making a name for himself in his ‘whitewashed’ workplace. While this change helps him build a sparkling reputation at his company, it alienates him from his loved ones. After a tragedy at home, Darren decides to step up and help young and aspiring black professionals break into the predominantly white salesforce in America. 

Mateo Askaripour’s debut novel marks the arrival of a quick-witted and insightful author who will hopefully use his sharp humour and keen observation skills to deliver stories that are a scathing commentary on racism in America.