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A review by saracat
Root Magic by Eden Royce
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book gave me so much to think about. And I definitely got close to tears a few times as well. It was a powerful story. The author’s note at the end talking about Gullah people and some of their family enforced how important this and stories like it are.
I loved the main character Jez, but the adult in me sometimes wanted her to not take certain risks or actions without her mother or uncle there. But, I think if I would a kid reading this, that would never cross my mind. And she is an amazing kid. I just think that despite not having my own kids, I can relate to the concern her mom and uncle showed.
I also loved how Jez’s compassion and kindness are highlighted in the story. But also show how her anger, hurt, and frustration don’t leave her immune from having darker thoughts at times as well.
The way Royce brought the novel full circle was very beautiful. I definitely want to see if they’ve written anything else.
I loved the main character Jez, but the adult in me sometimes wanted her to not take certain risks or actions without her mother or uncle there. But, I think if I would a kid reading this, that would never cross my mind. And she is an amazing kid. I just think that despite not having my own kids, I can relate to the concern her mom and uncle showed.
I also loved how Jez’s compassion and kindness are highlighted in the story. But also show how her anger, hurt, and frustration don’t leave her immune from having darker thoughts at times as well.
The way Royce brought the novel full circle was very beautiful. I definitely want to see if they’ve written anything else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
The book is set in the 1960s in the US when laws didn’t protect black people and law enforcement were more explicit in their aggression towards black people as well. These realities are part of the story.