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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
it seems i’m very rapidly falling out of love with rivers solomon. the deep is my third book from them, and my second disappointment (after sorrowland). conceptually this was amazing, but when it came to execution i was left feeling detached and wanting to get the book over and done with.
Such a dreamy premise. I so wanted to love this book because I've been obsessed with salt water mermaids for as long as I can remember, but there were moments where the main character's self-loathing and anxiety were too overwhelming. This was such a beautiful premise--what if mermaids evolved from the enslaved bodies that jumped/were forced into the ocean? The author is so intentional in crafting a world of deep sea maroonage. There are some beautiful moments in the book, especially in the lyrical lore/remembrance sequence. Would be a good tool for students to think about memory, generational trauma, and fugitive love.
challenging
emotional
I need to reread this book and listen to clipping. to fully get the experience that this deserves and was created for, but like all things by Rivers Solomon, fantastic.
Actual rating 4.5
This was a stunning story about shared trauma as well as generational trauma which as been a themed I have read so much about this year and this was an excellent depiction of those themes. The writing style was excellent and though it was a little underdeveloped character wise the story and themes shone through. I am glad I finally have started my journey with Rivers Solomon and I excited to read more from them.
This was a stunning story about shared trauma as well as generational trauma which as been a themed I have read so much about this year and this was an excellent depiction of those themes. The writing style was excellent and though it was a little underdeveloped character wise the story and themes shone through. I am glad I finally have started my journey with Rivers Solomon and I excited to read more from them.
challenging
dark
emotional
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
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An extremely important book about the importance of memory and history. I loved the emotional journey Yetu goes on throughout the book and the parallels between her and Zoti. I also thought that the afterword was very interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Murder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
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
This is written more from a historian story teller pov instead of the traditional written story. It feels disjointed, haunting, and lonely. It was a good read and I’m interested in more. I would love to find a longer fantasy book with the same premise.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This novella was PROFOUND. I cannot think of a more apt description. Weaving together mermaid lore with African slave history, it explores the trauma of history and the strength of sharing that trauma. Fans of The Sirens by Emilia Hart will enjoy the similarities, along with the added historical slave trade aspects.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Grief
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Violence, War