A review by alyssastag
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This reads like poetry—every word carefully chosen, every sentence artfully crafted so that it is beautiful to read. The story itself is horrifying and sad. The main character is a heroine in her own way. Her relationship with the spirits that guide her is totally unique and makes her character seem incredibly strong. The magical realism fits naturally into the plot. I also appreciate that she didn’t give any of the white characters positive traits; it feels like a more accurate story for the time period because of that. I didn’t fully grasp every extended metaphor during this first read, so I know there’s so much beyond the character and plot that I can pick up if I read it again.