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A review by rayofhope
She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was absolutely enamored by this book. I don't know if I'm going to be able to adequately express my feelings about it.
I think it's important to acknowledge that this is the kind of book that feels "important." It's telling stories of marginalized people, set during a part of history that doesn't often get taught in-depth in the United States. I'm certain many beautiful and engaging essays could, and will, be written about it.
And also, the characters just kick ass!
I fell in love with Gbessa, Norman, and June-Dey as soon as they were introduced. Each of them had such unique backgrounds and upbringings from each other, and the way they fell into each other's lives and fought against oppressive forces was so wonderful to watch. I don't often imagine things when I read, but the scenes of Norman and June-Dey fighting to protect people were vivid and epic action scenes in my mind. These three felt like superheroes, and I have an urge to draw them in formation as if they were on the cover of a comic book.
I enjoyed the way the book was formatted, with their three stories happening in separate countries, seemingly so unrelated, but tied together by the voice of the wind, June-Dey's mother. I also appreciated the nuanced way everything was handled: the formation of Liberia and the conflict with the indigenous peoples and everything. The way it's clear that the Black Americans needed to escape America, and also the ways in which they brought the oppressive society with them. The joy that Gbessa found when she was taken in by Liberians, and also the sorrow she feels for changing. It touched on a lot of very difficult and human themes. Every decision made was understandable. And every decision had consequences.
I would recommend this book to truly anybody. It's exciting, it's magical, it's terrifying, it's complex.
I think it's important to acknowledge that this is the kind of book that feels "important." It's telling stories of marginalized people, set during a part of history that doesn't often get taught in-depth in the United States. I'm certain many beautiful and engaging essays could, and will, be written about it.
And also, the characters just kick ass!
I fell in love with Gbessa, Norman, and June-Dey as soon as they were introduced. Each of them had such unique backgrounds and upbringings from each other, and the way they fell into each other's lives and fought against oppressive forces was so wonderful to watch. I don't often imagine things when I read, but the scenes of Norman and June-Dey fighting to protect people were vivid and epic action scenes in my mind. These three felt like superheroes, and I have an urge to draw them in formation as if they were on the cover of a comic book.
I enjoyed the way the book was formatted, with their three stories happening in separate countries, seemingly so unrelated, but tied together by the voice of the wind, June-Dey's mother. I also appreciated the nuanced way everything was handled: the formation of Liberia and the conflict with the indigenous peoples and everything. The way it's clear that the Black Americans needed to escape America, and also the ways in which they brought the oppressive society with them. The joy that Gbessa found when she was taken in by Liberians, and also the sorrow she feels for changing. It touched on a lot of very difficult and human themes. Every decision made was understandable. And every decision had consequences.
I would recommend this book to truly anybody. It's exciting, it's magical, it's terrifying, it's complex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, Gun violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault