Cherish Farrah is told from Farrah’s point of view, and from the start it is hard to know how to feel about her. Farrah sees that moment-like her life-as an act of control. We learn soon that Farrah perceives that childhood moment very differently than the Whitmans do. When he finishes the girls’ origin story, Brianne says, “I just want you to know, Farrah, that we love you You complete our family.” This childhood demonstration of sisterhood hinges on ritual, made complete by spilling blood. In a show of solidarity, Farrah injured herself, too, and both girls were rushed to the hospital for tetanus shots. He recounts to the crowd that when the two girls were very young, Cherish hurt herself at a building site that Jerry Whitman was overseeing. During a toast to his daughter, Jerry makes it clear to their distinguished guests that Farrah is as much a part of the Whitman’s family as a sibling. The narrative opens with an elongated birthday celebration for Cherish, where she is lavished with gifts and getaways, culminating in an extravagant party. To limit the interruption of her school year, the Turners leave Farrah at Cherish’s house for an extended stay.
Nichole and Ben Turner are forced away from their modest house in the same development as the Whitman’s house and move to a rental in the city. They recently lost their home to foreclosure because Nichole Turner, Farrah’s mom, lost her job. They also treat her like royalty, resulting in her becoming what Farrah calls “white girl spoiled,” or WGS.įarrah’s parents are Black. Brianne leans into being a mother of a Black girl child by understanding how to care for Cherish’s hair and how to meet her needs.
Cherish’s parents, Jerry and Brianne LePage Whitman, are white, and seem like the model modern North American couple. Cherish and Farrah are two Black teenage girls in a predominately white and very wealthy neighborhood. Unlike Mem, her newest novel puts race in the forefront. Like Mem, Morrow’s first novel, Cherish Farrah is beautifully written, with poetic language and passages full of vivid, intricate imagery. It’s a slow burn from page one and ends in discomfort for all.
Morrow’s second novel for adults addresses classism and racism, as well as families and friendships. Toxic relationships abound in Cherish Farrah, but the rub is not knowing which relationship to watch out for.
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