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A review by janaeq
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Trigger Warning: This book does contain abuse of every form
Slight Spoilers in this review
A gut-wrenching and heartbreaking tale about ancestral labor. There are other readers critiquing the book for not having a plot that is driven by the main character. I will say that the plot is not the reason the book is award-winning, but rather the story is not meant to be centered around a stereotypical sci-fi dystopian novel of overturning an oppressive ruler. There are several reasons why this book is five stars regardless of a "slow plot".
1. This story is very clearly a critique on American racial castes, but if one were to dig beneath the obvious parallels between chattel slavery; you could find a more nuanced discussion besides whites bad, Enslaved "good". This novel humanizes the ghosts of the enslaved. They are active participants within the story and act as ancestral/spiritual guides despite being characterized by viewed through Aster's literal and scientific perspective.
2. I would argue that the although there is the obvious man vs society struggle, the plot is not about Aster overthrowing Matilda and Lieutenant. From the beginning of the book I did not expect for a clear resolution. As this book's primary parallel is the struggle of freedom for Black Americans and the Black Diaspora (mimicked by the different cultures, languages and vegetation of the Decks), I don't expect Solomon to try to answer the question of Black Freedom which would mean a cut and dry happily ever after (the case for most white dystopian novels). I felt that the ending UKG although heartbreaking was entirely earned and even expected. If relating this book to current realities and issues of Black struggles, I don't feel it was Solomon's intention to give their commentary on how the Enslaved and disenfranchised reach freedom, but rather to illuminate those whose labor and sacrifice have been discounted and ignored on the journey there. That is to say, do not read this book for the ending, read this book for the journey.
3. Taking into consideration my previous point, Aster may be the main character but the story is really about Giselle, Lune and even Museline. Their knowing and intentional sacrifice drive the plot despite Asters sometimes haughty dismissal of Lune and Giselle as mad/crazy (although justified). I would argue that this book is a testimony to survival, labor and sacrifice of those behind us and beside us. Ancestral admiration and kinship is the basis of this book. If you do not have an understanding on the importance of ancestral and kinship ties to the Black community, it would make sense why the ending might seem disappointing, unearned or slow.
4. Simply put, the conversation on the Black Body and what that means for the black gender identity is unmatched.
The violence of the book is merely the reality of brutal and gendered enslavement. It is a heavy read, but definitely worth it.
Slight Spoilers in this review
A gut-wrenching and heartbreaking tale about ancestral labor. There are other readers critiquing the book for not having a plot that is driven by the main character. I will say that the plot is not the reason the book is award-winning, but rather the story is not meant to be centered around a stereotypical sci-fi dystopian novel of overturning an oppressive ruler. There are several reasons why this book is five stars regardless of a "slow plot".
1. This story is very clearly a critique on American racial castes, but if one were to dig beneath the obvious parallels between chattel slavery; you could find a more nuanced discussion besides whites bad, Enslaved "good". This novel humanizes the ghosts of the enslaved. They are active participants within the story and act as ancestral/spiritual guides despite being characterized by viewed through Aster's literal and scientific perspective.
2. I would argue that the although there is the obvious man vs society struggle, the plot is not about Aster overthrowing Matilda and Lieutenant. From the beginning of the book I did not expect for a clear resolution. As this book's primary parallel is the struggle of freedom for Black Americans and the Black Diaspora (mimicked by the different cultures, languages and vegetation of the Decks), I don't expect Solomon to try to answer the question of Black Freedom which would mean a cut and dry happily ever after (the case for most white dystopian novels). I felt that the ending UKG although heartbreaking was entirely earned and even expected. If relating this book to current realities and issues of Black struggles, I don't feel it was Solomon's intention to give their commentary on how the Enslaved and disenfranchised reach freedom, but rather to illuminate those whose labor and sacrifice have been discounted and ignored on the journey there. That is to say, do not read this book for the ending, read this book for the journey.
3. Taking into consideration my previous point, Aster may be the main character but the story is really about Giselle, Lune and even Museline. Their knowing and intentional sacrifice drive the plot despite Asters sometimes haughty dismissal of Lune and Giselle as mad/crazy (although justified). I would argue that this book is a testimony to survival, labor and sacrifice of those behind us and beside us. Ancestral admiration and kinship is the basis of this book. If you do not have an understanding on the importance of ancestral and kinship ties to the Black community, it would make sense why the ending might seem disappointing, unearned or slow.
4. Simply put, the conversation on the Black Body and what that means for the black gender identity is unmatched.
The violence of the book is merely the reality of brutal and gendered enslavement. It is a heavy read, but definitely worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Slavery, Racism, and Sexual violence