Disorientation (book)

Disorientation: Being Black in the World
AuthorIan Williams
GenreNon-fiction
PublisherEuropa Compass
Publication date
November 30, 2021
Pages224
ISBN978-1-60945-739-6

Disorientation: Being Black in the World is a collection of essays on racial politics by Canadian writer Ian Williams. Published in 2021, it is Williams' first essay collection.[1] Williams wrote the book while living in Vancouver during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] He was inspired by racial injustice and the George Floyd protests.[3]

Reception

Kirkus Reviews praised it as "A lyrical, closely observed contribution to the literature of race and social justice."[4] David Collings of The Ubyssey wrote that it "invites its reader into Williams’ thoughts on race, Blackness and place through accessible essays and personal accounts."[5]

Kelly Justice of the Southern Booksellers Review called it "illuminating, dizzying, and intensely personal. I can’t recommend it highly enough."[6]

The book was shortlisted for the Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize.[7]

References

  1. ^ Patrick, Ryan B. (October 19, 2021). "Ian Williams aims to make sense of a racialized world in the essay collection Disorientation". CBC.
  2. ^ "Why a novelist shifted to essays about the 'disorientation' of being Black in the world". Los Angeles Times. 2021-11-30. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  3. ^ "Disorientation". CBC. July 28, 2021.
  4. ^ DISORIENTATION | Kirkus Reviews.
  5. ^ Collings, David (2021-10-15). "Book review: Disorientation broadens the scope of what it means to be Black in the world". The Ubyssey. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  6. ^ Review, The Southern Bookseller (2022-01-03). "Disorientation by Ian Williams » The Southern Bookseller Review". The Southern Bookseller Review. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  7. ^ "Disorientation". BC and Yukon Book Prizes. Retrieved 2026-02-10.