A review by momma_needs_to_read
River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta

  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This book was definitely interesting but it just wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t connect to the book. I felt lost at times while reading, it felt kind of hectic. One wild thing happened right after another. However, I really enjoyed reading and learning about different Jamaican legends and culture.

Reading this was, at times, difficult. Between the Jamaican language and/or slang and the millennial/gen Z slang, it was hard to understand. I am a millennial and I still don’t understand the dialogue half the time. And with that being said, I think for those with dyslexia or anything else that can cause issues with reading, it will likely be very difficult for you to read.

The genre here is Magical Realism and while it definitely fits the magical part, I also felt that it was maybe trying too hard or pushing closer to fantasy. The writing was okay, although it felt rushed. There wasn’t really any slow down in the story, which I’m sure for some would be great, but for me. I just felt that it all read kind of chaotic.

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