maddieharv 's review for:

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

5.0

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This book spans time periods rarely recounted and almost never recounted from women’s perspectives in traditional American literature and public schools. The Civil War and Reconstruction periods impact and are mirrored in the present day America, in so many ways. Specifically and especially with regard to Black women who die in childbirth at much higher rates than white women and how access to abortion care and repro care in general is financially prohibitive for so many folks. In addition, violence and murder of Black people at the hands of police still occurs regularly. The historic myth of Black men’s violence and how that relates to the power of white women is so poignantly illustrated in this novel. This book touched on an immense blind spot I’ve realized in myself. I have overlooked the true evil of forced birth during slavery. This book was such a gift to open my eyes and help me understand that specific impact of sexual violence during slavery. It was a beautiful story of women who had difficult paths and choices, none of whom made “all the right choices.” None of whom had full control over their situations, to varying degrees. There is so much that has happened in this country that continues to reverberate into the future. This book is a must read and is now on my top ten books shelf, for sure.