| Caucasia | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Danzy Senna |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Bildungsroman |
| Publisher | Riverhead |
| Publication date | 1998 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback and Paperback) |
| Pages | 432 |
Caucasia (1998) is a novel written by Danzy Senna. It features the coming of age of Birdie, one of two multiracial sisters.
The novel is about Birdie and Cole, multiracial sisters who become separated in life because of their differing appearances and the racial identities which people ascribe to them. In the beginning of the novel, the narrator Birdie is not classified by appearance. Her sister Cole is described as "cinnamon-skinned, curly haired",[1] traits associated with African Americans of mixed race. Senna hints that the girls' mother is European American (her belly is called a "pale balloon" on page 5 of the novel)[1].
Over time race, as experienced by the girls in United States society, creates a rift between their lives. As young girls, Birdie and Cole speak an indistinguishable language of their creation which they call "Elemeno". The closeness between the two sisters suggests that appearance is not a defining characteristic of personality or behavior. Senna offers culture and atmosphere as having the most profound effect on a child's development. Birdie especially struggles to identify with and reconcile her multiracial identity.
Caucasia won the Stephen Crane Award for Best New Fiction of the Year and the American Library Association’s Alex Award; it was a finalist for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Caucasia was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Los Angeles Times.