Yandé Seck’s debut novel, “White Clouds,” offers an intense exploration of the contemporary urban experience. Through the narrative of two sisters navigating the complexities of city life, Seck delves deep into the issues of microaggressions, mental overload, and critical theory, all encapsulated in the metaphor of the novel’s title “White Clouds”. The book serves as a mirror reflecting the realities of the present day and the conceptual thicket we all have to wade through.
The term “White Clouds” is a reference to those white spots that appear under one’s fingernails, often mistakenly believed to be an indication of calcium deficiency. In reality, these spots are the result of injuries to the nail root. A small push, a minor injury, and a new spot appears, slowly growing out over time. This serves as the metaphor that underpins the narrative of Seck’s debut novel. The book explores those small, often unseen injuries that linger, their origins forgotten or obscured, yet their impact undeniable. Through this metaphor, the novel also delves into deeper questions of belonging in a society where each individual bears their own unique set of “white clouds”. The narrative thus reflects the variances in personal experiences and the lingering effects of past traumas on present identities.
