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4.6 AVERAGE
4.6 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is a masterpiece of a novel. At 797 pages, I won’t pretend it wasn’t daunting. The length of it is one reason I kept putting it off. But once I got past the first few pages, it flowed so smoothly. The writing was engaging, and I was completely enraptured by the story.
This novel is truly a feat, a testament to the love, care, and research poured into telling Ailey’s story and tracing her family’s history across generations. I love multi-generational family sagas, and this was the epitome of that. Some parts were difficult to read, and some parts brought me to tears. But there were also moments of laughter and, above all, an overwhelming sense of love within this family. As much as I was interested in Ailey, I was also deeply invested in Uncle Root and Ailey’s sister Lydia. Their stories, struggles, and wisdom added so much depth to the novel.
This is a novel I won’t ever forget. I’ve had so many people tell me they wish they could read it again for the first time, and I get it. I’m so glad I finally read it.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Child death, Drug abuse, Incest, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Absolutely wonderful. So well written. The characters leap off the page. Loved the twining together of past and present
It took me close to a year to finish this book—partly because I had a lot going on this year and partly because some chapters were difficult to get through. The start of the book contains deep character sketches. And then the book takes unexpected turns leaning more towards historical fiction. Too many characters to recall as one nears the ending. Not a very satisfying ending.
I never leave written reviews but this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. A true masterpiece. I can’t recommend this enough. The story telling, characters and overlay of history was so well done. Read this book!
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
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:
Complicated
Such an incredibly informative read, even with the weight of the information, it is digested easily through such vivid storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Rape
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This is one of those books that very much impacted the way I think about history, slavery, resilience and intergenerational trauma. At 800+ pages, I spent three months with this transformational narrative, these compelling and very distinct cast of characters.
It’s long, yes. Probably too long. But I love this quote from Jeffers’ editor: “The shelves of the Western literary canon are filled with so many lengthy epics by men, and I'm excited for Love Songs to hold its own alongside them."
Like most reviewers, I was more drawn the the contemporary narratives than the earlier centuries and felt some of the historical portions could have been revised for brevity. Then again, I understand the art-making that went into this epic/epoch and think that the resulting impact was worth it all.
I could sit at the feet of Ailey Pearl and Uncle Root for hours and listen to their intellectual banter. David could join too. One of the benefits of an extra-long novel is the amount of time you get with the characters.
This novel was truly a gift. I’m grateful.
TW: Numerous accounts of pedophilia. At first I found it unnecessarily excessive, but by the end of the book, I changed my perspective a bit. I think the author’s objective was to demonstrate how pervasive it was/is, particularly in systems where power is all-encompassing and unquestioned. Still, it’s a lot for those with trauma. Proceed with caution.
It’s long, yes. Probably too long. But I love this quote from Jeffers’ editor: “The shelves of the Western literary canon are filled with so many lengthy epics by men, and I'm excited for Love Songs to hold its own alongside them."
Like most reviewers, I was more drawn the the contemporary narratives than the earlier centuries and felt some of the historical portions could have been revised for brevity. Then again, I understand the art-making that went into this epic/epoch and think that the resulting impact was worth it all.
I could sit at the feet of Ailey Pearl and Uncle Root for hours and listen to their intellectual banter. David could join too. One of the benefits of an extra-long novel is the amount of time you get with the characters.
This novel was truly a gift. I’m grateful.
TW: Numerous accounts of pedophilia. At first I found it unnecessarily excessive, but by the end of the book, I changed my perspective a bit. I think the author’s objective was to demonstrate how pervasive it was/is, particularly in systems where power is all-encompassing and unquestioned. Still, it’s a lot for those with trauma. Proceed with caution.
Fantastic weaving of over 200 years of history in America. Combining Indian, white and black families and the tragic blending forced on people of color. From a black feminist perspective, you have to respect the strength of the women to not only survive, but thrive and continue to fight to be seen as equals in society. This work is so worthy of, and would be terrific to see, on screen.