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A review by alexab7
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? Yes
5.0
This book is an incredible blend of fantasy and the reality of generational trauma. The way this book touches on such heavy themes as grief, depression, colonialism, difficult family dynamics, racism, and the horrors of slavery, all while weaving in a complex world that is also full of found family, resilience, and hope is just phenomenal.
As a white woman, I found this book so moving. It was heartbreaking to hear the pain of the enslaved women. But it was also important to hear all of the small ways that white supremacy continues to harm, not just the big, obvious ways. The passage about the “monument” to the enslaved peoples who “helped build” the school/country but that actually just continues the injustice was especially poignant. It showed me that, even when we white people are trying to to acknowledge the torment we inflicted, we don’t get it right. That just highlights the importance of having black voices present in all of these decisions. Instead of assuming we know what’s best and forging ahead, we should ask how best to honor those we had enslaved.
As a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, I appreciated the inclusion of various members within the characters. It was included without glad huge need for the non-binary individual to explain their identity or why it was important. The importance was taken as fact. The discrimination of that population was also included, but I loved how the book showed that colorism is still the predominant hate in our world, even over homophobia/transphobia. The group as a whole was more willing to accept someone who is non-binary but who is white than they were to accept someone who is cisgender but black. The other members of minority didn’t speak up against the others when they made racist comments. While part of me wants to be frustrated with them for that, I know it is hard to speak up when you are also someone who doesn’t feel completely safe in the space. This just emphasizes our need as white people to speak up EVERY time we see someone or something that’s reinforces white supremacy.
As a Psychologist, I love how the reality of grief, anxiety, anger, depression, hopelessness, generational trauma, and resilience were portrayed. We are all human, and we all react differently in different situations. All emotions are okay and necessary, and we have to move through them in our own way and own time. That isn’t to say that we don’t need help sometimes, and we may not always make the best decisions. My only complaint is that Patricia certainly made some questionable decisions. For example, I would have at least asked before bringing someone else into a session. But I understand that this was in service of the plot, so I’ll get over it.
I’m so glad I finally read this book. I am definitely changed by it, and I will continue to try to better in all things.
As a white woman, I found this book so moving. It was heartbreaking to hear the pain of the enslaved women. But it was also important to hear all of the small ways that white supremacy continues to harm, not just the big, obvious ways. The passage about the “monument” to the enslaved peoples who “helped build” the school/country but that actually just continues the injustice was especially poignant. It showed me that, even when we white people are trying to to acknowledge the torment we inflicted, we don’t get it right. That just highlights the importance of having black voices present in all of these decisions. Instead of assuming we know what’s best and forging ahead, we should ask how best to honor those we had enslaved.
As a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, I appreciated the inclusion of various members within the characters. It was included without glad huge need for the non-binary individual to explain their identity or why it was important. The importance was taken as fact. The discrimination of that population was also included, but I loved how the book showed that colorism is still the predominant hate in our world, even over homophobia/transphobia. The group as a whole was more willing to accept someone who is non-binary but who is white than they were to accept someone who is cisgender but black. The other members of minority didn’t speak up against the others when they made racist comments. While part of me wants to be frustrated with them for that, I know it is hard to speak up when you are also someone who doesn’t feel completely safe in the space. This just emphasizes our need as white people to speak up EVERY time we see someone or something that’s reinforces white supremacy.
As a Psychologist, I love how the reality of grief, anxiety, anger, depression, hopelessness, generational trauma, and resilience were portrayed. We are all human, and we all react differently in different situations. All emotions are okay and necessary, and we have to move through them in our own way and own time. That isn’t to say that we don’t need help sometimes, and we may not always make the best decisions. My only complaint is that Patricia certainly made some questionable decisions. For example, I would have at least asked before bringing someone else into a session. But I understand that this was in service of the plot, so I’ll get over it.
I’m so glad I finally read this book. I am definitely changed by it, and I will continue to try to better in all things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Trafficking, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Mental illness, Rape, Sexism, Transphobia, Kidnapping, Car accident, Murder, Dysphoria
Minor: Vomit, Alcohol