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A review by mariebrunelm
Ring shout : Cantique rituel by P. Djèlí Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
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? Yes
This book was wild and intense and uncomfortable, and I do think it's uncomfortable on purpose. We're in 1920s Georgia, USA and racism is in full swing. Maryse, our main protagonist and narrator, is busy hunting down Ku Kluxes, monsters hiding in the white robes of human Klaners. I don't want to tell you too much because the author has a lot of cool surprises in store.
One thing I loved about it was how important language and oral tradition are. Maryse has her own, very specific, way of talking, and other characters include varying levels of dialect and other languages into American English. I read this in French and I was once again in awe of Mathilde Montier's work (she's Clark's translator).
Sadly my state of mind did not do justice to how excellent this book is. But whenever I opened the book, it grabbed me. It feels very unique, even though there are parallels to be drown with Lovecraft Country.
One thing I loved about it was how important language and oral tradition are. Maryse has her own, very specific, way of talking, and other characters include varying levels of dialect and other languages into American English. I read this in French and I was once again in awe of Mathilde Montier's work (she's Clark's translator).
Sadly my state of mind did not do justice to how excellent this book is. But whenever I opened the book, it grabbed me. It feels very unique, even though there are parallels to be drown with Lovecraft Country.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Torture, Violence, Body horror, and Death
Minor: Animal death