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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
This was a nice little quick listen. Very interesting world setting with the idea of slaves essentially evolving and adapting to the waters they were thrown into and becoming mermaids. I had started listening to this a a few days ago and wanted to actually sit down and physically read the chapters while listening to Daveed narrate the audiobook simultaneously so that I was seeing the names and new words and hearing them at the same time, and I’m glad I made that decision.
I also loved the idea of having “historians” who were able to see the full history of a people so that their story wouldn’t go forgotten, especially after having recently read a book by a Native American author, and having the conversation with my book club about histories of people needing to be carried on, and acknowledging the efforts of those who choose to keep near-forgotten languages, histories & practices alive by imparting them into new generations.
I also loved the idea of having “historians” who were able to see the full history of a people so that their story wouldn’t go forgotten, especially after having recently read a book by a Native American author, and having the conversation with my book club about histories of people needing to be carried on, and acknowledging the efforts of those who choose to keep near-forgotten languages, histories & practices alive by imparting them into new generations.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Deep is a book that has stuck with me for years and years, and it is one of my favorite books of all time. That said, it is also one of the hardest books for me to go back and reread. The emotions I felt following Yetu were so vast and intricate I can't bring myself to feel that way again. This book is interwoven with themes of responsibility, freedom, redemption, revenge, and so much more. Solomon asks their readers, "What happens when the weight of knowing one's history is too much? What happens when pain causes us to behave in ways we wouldn't? What happens when we expect too much of young Black Women?" These questions turn in your mind as you follow Yetu when she frees herself from the responsibility of carrying the history of the dead slave women and magic that birthed their race. It was a brilliant exploration of history, of the weight of Black history, and how we can survive in times where it feels like everyone has forgotten.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Slavery
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, War
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
A heartbreaking premise infused with hope and love - The Deep is a beautiful story about the descendants of pregnant women that were thrown overboard from slaver ships. They have created their own world underwater, and one of them, Yetu, is the one who carries all the horrific memories with her.
Yetu is overwhelmed from remembering, and she goes back to the surface, to a world her people have forgotten - but a world that is needed if they are to survive. I felt for Yetu, carrying such a weight of knowledge and grief within her that makes her yearn for respite.
There are tough topics here, but the writing and characters make it so worth it.
Yetu is overwhelmed from remembering, and she goes back to the surface, to a world her people have forgotten - but a world that is needed if they are to survive. I felt for Yetu, carrying such a weight of knowledge and grief within her that makes her yearn for respite.
There are tough topics here, but the writing and characters make it so worth it.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
This was such a beautiful book and I'm so glad to have read it! It was so atmospheric and alluring, yet more importantly, so impactful and had brilliant metaphoric social commentary. I do believe some of the metaphors went over my head and I'm certainly going to be giving it a re-read soon.
A few days later, I've not stopped thinking about it.
A few days later, I've not stopped thinking about it.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
That was all remembering was. Prodding them lest they try to move on from things that should not be moved on from. Forgetting was not the same as healing.
This book was so beautiful. Words cannot describe how much I loved it. Its a beautiful reminder of how important history is. How important it is to know your history, no matter how painful it is.