Embracing the Intricate Tapestry of Code Noir: Fictions by Canisia Lubrin
The first time I heard about Code Noir: Fictions, I felt a magnetic pull to its pages. Canisia Lubrin, an acclaimed author already celebrated for her poetic prowess, promised something deeply intricate and unconventional. With accolades like the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction and nominations for the Governor General’s Literary Awards, I dove in, eager to discover how her voice could reshape narratives steeped in historical pain and philosophical depth.
From the onset, Lubrin beckons readers into a world that isn’t merely a collection of stories but a profound meditation on the legacy of colonialism and the haunting echoes of the past. The book comprises 59 pieces—some are narratives, others more akin to prose poems—each a vibrant strand woven into a complex tapestry. They are not handed to us in tidy packages but rather presented as drafts, meditations, and spells, urging us to engage actively with their meaning. Opening remarks reveal the gravity of the narrative with sharp lines that deconstruct the very nature of belief and identity: “The murderers in this draft are those who write the laws…” This sets the tone for a journey confronting the systemic injustices stemming from the historic Code Noir.
Each piece is not standalone; they resonate with the Articles of the Code Noir enacted by King Louis XIV, which framed the horrific reality of slavery. This intertwining serves as a constant reminder of how history persists within us, reshaping our present. Lubrin’s pairing of narrative with Torkwase Dyson’s charcoal art amplifies the emotional stakes, creating a visual and textual communion that makes this work feel alive and urgent.
Throughout my reading, I was particularly captivated by the piece titled "[39] A History of a Noise," where Lubrin intricately knits together colonial history with the language of evolution, layering mathematical discourse over philosophical inquiry. The challenge of intertwining such diverse threads exemplifies Lubrin’s mastery—a commitment to expanding the boundaries of storytelling that left me in awe of her vision.
What struck me most in Code Noir was Lubrin’s evocative use of language. Her style is lush and lyrical, pulling us into realms where time itself unravels. In passages like “Across the continents, we met stone gods with wrecked noses…”, I found myself lost in her vivid imagery, hanging on every word as she deftly rode the currents of time and emotion.
For readers looking for a conventional narrative arc, this book may feel disorienting at first. However, if you are open to the idea that storytelling can defy norms—where the relational and the complex ripple through every page—then you will find remarkable treasures within. Lubrin’s exploration of intimacy through storytelling offers a refreshing and necessary lens, one that invites readers to see the world anew.
I wholeheartedly recommend Code Noir: Fictions to anyone eager to confront history through art, to reflect on identity, and to embrace the complex layers of human experience. This book left an indelible mark on me, resonating long after I closed its cover. It challenges us to rethink the stories we tell and the narratives that shape our lives—an invitation to explore beyond the constraints of dominant social constructs. Let yourself be immersed in this beautifully crafted work and experience the power of storytelling that sets you free.