Southern Black girl magic paired with Arthurian lore. What else could you want from a book series? Maybe a love triangle, family secrets, and few flyiSouthern Black girl magic paired with Arthurian lore. What else could you want from a book series? Maybe a love triangle, family secrets, and few flying demons? An absolutely thrilling read....more
Overall a very good read. The magical realism bits can get somewhat confusing. There were some parts that were triggering and heavy. If Closer to 4.5
Overall a very good read. The magical realism bits can get somewhat confusing. There were some parts that were triggering and heavy. If you are sensitive to physical and sexual abuse, and drugs use,read with caution. ...more
Review forthcoming. I’m still processing what I read.
8/12/20 Conjure Women switches between the pre Civil War and post Civil war eras. The book followsReview forthcoming. I’m still processing what I read.
8/12/20 Conjure Women switches between the pre Civil War and post Civil war eras. The book follows slave conjuring woman Ms. May Belle, her daughter Rue, the mistress of the estate Varina, and the remaining slaves living on the plantation. The slaves continue to live on the land long after "Marse Charles" dies, and the mansion is only a shell of its former glory. Rue takes over her deceased mother (albeit a bit reluctantly) tending to the sick and delivering babies (with a bit of hoodoo on the side). Rue delivers a baby born with a caul and "black beans" for eyes. When the children on the plantation become ill paired with the sudden appearance of the preacher "Bruh Abel," The slaves start to wonder if Rue is actually a witch whose late-night walks in the woods and secret conjuring are making the children sick. But Rue has secrets of her own...
First of all, the amount of research that was obviously needed to create this book blows my mind. The author wrote this book in such a way, I felt as if I was transported to the plantation and watching the story unfold, not sitting in my room reading along. The writing is exceptionally detailed and descriptive. It drew me in. The plot did move slow at times, but the world building and characters made up for it.
As a side note, my grandmother had a topsy-turvy doll similar to the one mentioned in the book. I never understood what kind of toy it was and why one side was black and the other white. After reading about it, now I know what it is and the connection to slavery. It is safely kept away in storage until we can get it appraised....more
It’s not fair for me to rate this as I only read a couple of chapters. I was not connecting with the writing at all. It’s a shame because I really lovIt’s not fair for me to rate this as I only read a couple of chapters. I was not connecting with the writing at all. It’s a shame because I really loved The Mothers. ...more