Reviews

the cover to the edition i read of this book was driving me crazy, and corroborates the misdirection of the book's true structure. this book is not at all what i expected. i'm so poor at literary history that i don't know if the concept of magic realism applies to what's happening in this book. shange's world is one of the most enjoyable locations interpreting the black experience that i've ever read. appreciating this vision i also at times became bothered by the heterosexist entrapments of the women characters. well in reality, as soon as i started thinking that, the story goes in an entirely different direction with a character's sexuality. all these "developments" wind up feeling like misadventures through lush environments and perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the characters' various journeys is the suspension of judgment. the book is a meditation upon black life as improvisation. its healing magic emanates from this sense.

literary_lauraaa's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

earthseeddetroit's review against another edition

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4.0

I finished this today on audiobook and I gave it four out of five stars.

I really enjoyed this book and think that it is one that I want to not only read in paper format but own for my personal library.

There are some recipes given in the book that I would just like to refer back to and other cultural and historical southen ways written about that I would like to mull over a bit more.

I was really lost in the story and I felt like the ending was a little abrupt. I’m thinking that is because I got lost in some of the magical realism of it. There was a pretty intense dream scene in one part and then a traditional African religious scene later as well that I know we’re full of symbolism and meaning and I just need a little more time with them.

Overall I absolutely loved Ntozake Shange’s work and the way she puts her words together. I can honestly say I feel like the whole audiobook was a preview to the excitement of ordering the hard copy of this book! I am literally looking forward to reading this again already.

I really liked the relationships that were depicted in the book although some of them were very difficult and painful, some were very loving and sweet.

I think it did not get five stars from me because I could have had a bit more of these characters, and a bit more of their story. I wanted more, lol

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NtozakeShange

lacy30twin1's review

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4.0

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. The only way I can really describe it is artsy and magical. I'm more of an analytical person so this book was different for me. I enjoyed it but there were times I didn't know what was going on and had to reread to gain more understanding. I can't really say I fully understood but that didn't hinder me progressing with the book.

The book is about three sisters. The oldest two, Sassafras and Cypress, are both artists. Weaver/writer and dancer, respectively. Indigo, the youngest, is described as having "too much of the south" in her. The best way I can interpret this is that Indigo still has a strong spiritual connection to the ancestors. While she has the most visible connection, it's pretty clear that her sisters also have a clear connection to the ancestors and african spirituality. Not being far in my spiritual journey, there was some parts of this book that was over my head.

The book started out with focusing on Indigo. It quickly shifted to her sisters. I wish there would've been more about her adult life in this book. Like her sisters.

The author has a very unique writing style. She frequently includes poetry and recipes on this book. The detailed recipes were a bit much for me. The sisters' stories were interesting. It was nice to see their journey's even if you wanted to shake them. Some chapters are letters to them from their mother which I thought was really nice. It gave the book warmth.

I did enjoy this book. For anyone on a spiritual journey this may be more relatable. I think I'll reread it in few years when farther along on mine.

darlingkj's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I feel like the plot was not necessarily grounded but the characters were so stunning and loveable and there are so many messages in this book i needed. there’s a certain comfort this text brought me.

seph268's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Not zane Shange wove a tale of sisterhood, motherly love, and coming of age that will still with me for a lifetime. Her lyricism and pen are unmatched. The characters are well written and I love Hilda, Sassafras, Cypress and Indigo, individually and collectively.

eprimo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I loved the sisters, and Mama - I wanted a bit more at the end, but it was an endearing read (the beginning part with Indigo was my favorite).

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