A review by lou_mac
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

adventurous dark inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really struggled with the first part of this book- the story sort of slipped over me and I couldn't hold on to the characters and what they were doing, but something switched around the half way point. The story was engaging, I suddenly felt I understood the characters and really fell in love with the books magic. The idea of making the magic memory was beautiful to me, and it did make me have a little cry and points.
It was also fascinating to see a magic lens on slavery and the underground railway - and I think this book balanced the complexity and nuances of the underground operation beautifully.
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