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readingwithgoose's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
This was one of those rare cases where I found all of the short stories in a collection to be really good. Not stinkers, no duds, this one was incredible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Racism, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Rape, Excrement, Infidelity, Body horror, Pregnancy, Kidnapping, and Slavery
starrysteph's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Black mermaids defend their home by taking on environment-destroying politicians.
Flesh-eating ants … may just consume a billionaire.
Corrupt gods are stuck within capitalist power structures.
And that’s just the smallest peek into this PHENOMENAL collection.
Ndlovu writes fables, nuanced pieces that vary in style but craft powerful messages. The stories are very short: we’re looking through windows & witnessing bursts of life. The work is often surreal and takes inspiration from southern African mythology.
It’s frequently fantastical & magical, sometimes deeply intimate, and often veers into what feels like social horror.
Black women are the focus here. Drinking from Graveyard Wells honors and celebrates the magic of these women, but doesn’t shy away from their pain. The writing is gripping, empathetic, and intimate.
I was afraid and enamored and very moved.
Pre-order this collection ASAP. Or you’ll miss out on freedom-fighting shapeshifters and time traveling students and (rightfully) furious spirits … and just a whole lot of incredible content.
CW: death (including child death), murder, racism, colorism, genocide, war, colonization, sexual assault, body horror, pedophilia, abuse (emotional and physical), sexism, gun violence/mass shooting, war, classism
(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Mental illness, Murder, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Xenophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child death, Racism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Classism, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Infertility, Mass/school shootings, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and Rape
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