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4.6 AVERAGE
4.6 AVERAGE
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
An epic novel about generations of families that lived on the same plot of land in rural George. Framed through the lens of W.E.B. Du Bois quotes, Love Songs describes the generational oppression of Creek Nation Native Americans, enslaved Africans, post-reconstruction sharecroppers and tenant farmers, and modern day Blacks. How the lives of the oppressed and oppressors are entwined. Lives woven together beginning with the marriages between Creek Indians, white people and free blacks and through to the modern day when the main character, Ailey, uncovers a more complete family history.
Right away, in the first paragraph, we know this is a book about women: "The tongue...dares to tell these stories of a woman's line." The trauma of women that endure the pain felt by men that is carried down generations. The struggles of women who don't have agency or are trying to find it. Ultimately, the women survive, prevail and continue the journey to define who they are.
In the last chapter, Ailey's mentor Dr.Oludara preaches "the Negro woman is the best our race has to offer." The Love Song of W.E.B Du Bois is a tribute to the black woman.
Side note: I read this on a Kindle and would suggest a hard copy. There are a lot of characters to keep track of (they have a family tree at the beginning) and it would have been easier to flip back to pages, than search on my kindle for names.
Right away, in the first paragraph, we know this is a book about women: "The tongue...dares to tell these stories of a woman's line." The trauma of women that endure the pain felt by men that is carried down generations. The struggles of women who don't have agency or are trying to find it. Ultimately, the women survive, prevail and continue the journey to define who they are.
In the last chapter, Ailey's mentor Dr.Oludara preaches "the Negro woman is the best our race has to offer." The Love Song of W.E.B Du Bois is a tribute to the black woman.
Side note: I read this on a Kindle and would suggest a hard copy. There are a lot of characters to keep track of (they have a family tree at the beginning) and it would have been easier to flip back to pages, than search on my kindle for names.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
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:
Yes
Beautiful story. Really enjoyed the jump from the past to the present. Would recommend this to everyone
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
I enjoy multi-generational family stories, and this one was beautifully woven.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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