At the start of the book, we’re introduced to the first chapter, “Sun Child, 1980-1990,” and I noticed that the title is connected to the first paragraph, which speaks of a child who’s born with pale skin. Though, this was not seen as a good thing, as it was usually a warning to mothers not to stay in the sun for too long.  Miraculously, Talusan wasn’t completely blind, which was what allowed Talusan to read, which is why she enjoys reading to begin with. Later in the text, she quotes her grandmother, who had felt much appreciation for her granddaughter, and somewhat discontent with the skin she was in herself. “‘This is because you are fair and beautiful,’ she said, ‘not dark and ugly like me.’” (Talusan, 2020). This would imply that her grandmother has a different view of people compared to those around her, and challenges the idea that a child with pale skin is not something that should be labeled as ‘taboo’, but rather should be revered as part of one’s community. While this can be seen as discrimination towards oneself, I feel as though it’s more related to the idea that she was tired of the views her people had, and forced onto others, because of her ‘normal’ skin color.

After getting a brief look into who Talusan is, it’s safe to assume that she’s gone through much struggle within the start of her life, and will most likely have issues to overcome in the future (which will be seen in later chapters of the book). 

Talusan, Meredith. Fairest: A Memoir. Penguin, 2021. Print.