A review by mariaslibrary
Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This book was so unique it took a little bit for me to get into it at first. The blend of science fiction, magical realism, and Caribbean folklore took on the rhythm I was unfamiliar with but came to really appreciate and enjoy. As I struggled to focus in the beginning of the book I decided to get the audiobook as well and hybrid read. The book only got better and better. And eventually I couldn't bear to read the slow pace of an audiobook and finished the book without it so I could read through the climax.   I really enjoyed this setting of both a dystopian future and a harkening back to economies of old were communities help with one another even when they have so little. I found Gros-Jeane particularly endearing despite her gruff exterior.  I found Ti-Jeane's early experience with motherhood and lack of bonding & annoyance with her child to be a more honest take than we usually see on the subject. The folklore and magical realism was enchanting and drew me in.   I reveled in the final showdown with the book's big bad. An epic scene worthy of the big screen. My first foray into Nalo Hopkinson