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4.6 AVERAGE
4.6 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
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
Wow. Just wow. Finished this today and all I can say is that the relationship between Uncle Root and Ailey will be in my heart for years to come. The search for identity and the repercussions of it make this story an absolute masterpiece. Five stars all the way.
“And Belle will bear three girls: Lydia, Carol, and finally, a last daughter: Ailey, who will learn to honor a line reaching back to people whose names she never will know. To praise the blood that calls out in dreams, long after memory has surrendered.”
Will anything else I read this year compare?
This book topped a lot of rankings last year so I was curious what it was going to be like. This was more than a book: it was a WORK, and a moving experience. Very long, but very worth it (let’s just say: it took its time). The content was hard to digest at times and sometimes keeping track of individuals’ stories throughout centuries of family trees was tricky, but the story was beautiful and the history necessary to honor. Uncle Root is definitely my favorite character.
Will anything else I read this year compare?
This book topped a lot of rankings last year so I was curious what it was going to be like. This was more than a book: it was a WORK, and a moving experience. Very long, but very worth it (let’s just say: it took its time). The content was hard to digest at times and sometimes keeping track of individuals’ stories throughout centuries of family trees was tricky, but the story was beautiful and the history necessary to honor. Uncle Root is definitely my favorite character.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
Don’t let the length intimidate you. It is worth every page/minute.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
It took two attempts but I’m glad I gave it another chance because once you get acquainted with all the characters the story really takes hold of you (I found the family tree at the front of the book extremely helpful).
If you like multigenerational stories rooted in place with strong female characters then you shouldn’t pass this up. The unraveling of Ailey’s family history is done so well and gives her and us enough (in different ways) to keep on wondering and questioning.
If you like multigenerational stories rooted in place with strong female characters then you shouldn’t pass this up. The unraveling of Ailey’s family history is done so well and gives her and us enough (in different ways) to keep on wondering and questioning.