A review by frinsreads
Remembered by Yvonne Battle-Felton

4.0

I remember there being buzz around this book when it was on the Women's Prize 2019 longlist. I remember people being disappointed when it didn't make the shortlist, and I totally understand why now. This book was so difficult to read, but because of its subject matter it is so impactful. Some scenes in this book made me feel physically sick, but if you can handle the triggers (listed below) it's such an insightful read

We follow Spring, and her sister Tempe's ghost, as they discover the news that Edward, Tempe's son, has been involved in a street car accident and accused of a crime. The story unfolds as Springs recounts their family's history to her comatose nephew

This book reminded me a lot of Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, in that we see a young Black woman (in Remembered, she's a 12 year old girl) ripped from her life of freedom and forced into slavery, submission, and silence. In Kindred there's a speculative twist, but the message is the same

I liked the format of this story, how it was told as a reflection of a life looking back. That kind of narrative always reminds me of classics like Wuthering Heights, a story within a story, which I always enjoy. It's also an important way for characters to reflect on their lives and the lives of their ancestors, while passing these stories on

TW: violent kidnap, rape, slavery, racial prejudice