Reviews

The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts by Soraya Palmer

Only show reviews with written explanations

amyvl93's review against another edition

challenging emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

One of the things I do miss about my old book subscription is it putting really interesting books into my hands that I may not have otherwise found, and Beatrice Porter is definitely one of those novels.

The novel follows two sisters, Zora and Sasha, living in New York with their Caribbean parents, whose lives are shaped by their parents storytelling of myths from the islands, including Anansi and Rolling Calf amongst others. As their parents marriage disintegrates and the two sisters drift from one another, these stories are how they find a way forward. Zora becomes increasingly interested in storytelling, whilst Sasha begins to explore both her sexuality and her gender.

Palmer's writing throughout this was so vivid, both in the narration from the two sisters, who feel like distinct enough characters - to the voice of the novel, who explores the stories from the Caribbean and who shines a light on the family histories of the sisters - and the cycles that the family seemed doomed to repeat. She gives even the characters who you instinctively want to turn away from nuance.

Whilst there is a lot going on within the pages of this book, it never felt like too much - and I felt like Palmer gave space to the discussions in here, particularly those around gender and mortality. Not all the magical realism worked for me, particularly towards the end but I'll definitely read more of Palmer's work in the future.

Content Warnings

potassiumgod's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Amazing book with phenomenal story telling. A fantasy that easily overcame every high expectation I secretly keep behind a mental curtain when I read books. It's not a "all books must be this good," expectation, but a "man if a book could be like THIS it'd be sick as hell."

phdpageturner's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

el_viral's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I am just blown away! What an incredible debut - Palmer writes absolutely beautifully, and draws you into the story with expert prowess. The style of having interconnected stories from multiple viewpoints come together to create one narrative was skillfully done. I found myself very invested in the characters and their stories - the joy and sadness, the moments of love and of abuse, the complicated interlinking that makes up a family, makes up a person. I ended up in tears, very affected by this powerful book. I can't recommend it enough - one of the best things I've read this year.