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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
hopeful
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:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I can see why people love this book, but it’s just not for me. It’s too metaphorical for me and I wasn’t expecting the magical realism side of it, which ended up not landing with me.
The perfect mix of historical fiction, supernatural elements, and gorgeous prose that weave a beautiful tale about this difficult and trouble part of US history.
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
No
emotional
sad
I have loved Jesmyn Ward’s fiction and nonfiction work ever since I was introduced to it through a book club reading Men We Reaped. Her books tell compelling, emotional stories. In fiction and nonfiction, Jesmyn Ward contributes to an important conversation and a history that must be remembered. For me, this books draws me in a little less than her other books. Nevertheless, it tells an important story, and I will likely still always read what she writes next.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/03/let-us-descend.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
This one wasn't for me. The ratio of actual plot to magical realism seemed lopsided. There wasn't enough story to grasp on to for the amount of flying around in the sky and her imaginary interactions with Aza. The march south was described in brutal detail, but once she gets to her destination, there is a lot of playing tag with Aza's spirit, and endless descriptions of the earth and wind. The section with the master's illness drew me in and while extremely well-written, kind of went nowhere once it was over. I agree with one reviewer who suggested this was overly written, and the author should have stopped a few drafts prior. 2.5 stars.