...artfully weaves the complexities of racialized characters not only in the military itself, but in a nation in which everyday life is influenced by its presence ... Farria, co-editor of The Maine Review, skillfully embodies multiple voices across generations, a real strength of the book’s narrative ... a thorny book, full of complicated characters who sometimes make questionable, even immoral, decisions, but who are also a product of the nation that reared them. They are driven primarily by love, but in a country where white supremacy, capitalism and violent power are ubiquitous, to where can love really drive? This seems to be a central unspoken question for the characters and the narrative overall ... Farria dexterously explores sexual fluidity, masculinity and the corporeality of intersecting identities, and does not shy away from imbuing his characters with their fair share of internalized and externalized misogyny, part of 'Black masculinity’s rigid confines of expression.'
Likewise, Farria writes with vibrant, breathtaking elegance, unabashed to imbue even bleak corners of the world with shades of humor and simmering sexuality. The trio deal with their divergent manhoods tenderly and thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Farria holds in graceful tension the violence of wars abroad and the invigorating energy of passionate endeavors, the brutality of battles at home and the solace of brotherly love ... Revolutions of All Colors radiates adoration and wonder for fighters and their resilience. Intimate second-person chapters address Simon directly, as he serves abroad, flees regrets and throws himself into mixed martial arts. With singular talent, Farria details the dreams and disappointments of a family he demonstrates deep fondness for, body and soul.
Farria chronicles in his engrossing debut the lives of three young Black men partly through stories of their parents and a surrogate father figure ... Gabriel’s richly layered story follows his early interest in dance before he remakes himself as a writer, though it’s occasionally bogged down with lengthy descriptions of partying and womanizing. Michael, meanwhile, moves to New York City to work in fashion. While the various threads leave a few too many loose ends, a wonderfully kaleidoscopic portrait emerges of Black masculinity. Despite its episodic nature, this grips the reader from start to finish.
