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A review by bookswithlee
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
5.0
This was my first five-star read of the year, and it truly did not disappoint. Note trigger warnings at the end of this post.
I was eagerly anticipating this book, and Wilkerson's talent for creating dynamic, multi-dimensional characters immediately drew me in. Typically, I'm not a fan of novels that flip between timelines and voices, but here it felt both seamless and purposeful as the shifts in perspective only enriched the narrative.
What resonated with me most was how the book places Black history firmly within the broader tapestry of American history. As a Black reader, I appreciated seeing a narrative that goes beyond the confines of enslavement to highlight our resilience, creativity, and enduring impact, even in the face of immense challenges. Wilkerson’s portrayal of Black lives is both a tribute to our strength and a reminder of the many layers of our story.
The story is engaging, fast-paced, and emotionally challenging, prompting deep reflection on both personal identity and our shared history. I walked away feeling like I had learned something significant, and the emotional impact of the storytelling stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The only misstep for me was the romantic relationship, which felt forced and out of the blue. However, I understand that it wasn’t meant to be the focus of the book so the 5 stars stand.
If you enjoy rich character development, multiple timelines handled with care, and narratives that offer historical insight alongside emotional depth, Good Dirt is an excellent choice.
Thank you Libro.FM for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review
Trigger Warning: This book contains depictions of historical enslavement, racial trauma, and discussions of violence including the mention and discussion of the murder of a child
I was eagerly anticipating this book, and Wilkerson's talent for creating dynamic, multi-dimensional characters immediately drew me in. Typically, I'm not a fan of novels that flip between timelines and voices, but here it felt both seamless and purposeful as the shifts in perspective only enriched the narrative.
What resonated with me most was how the book places Black history firmly within the broader tapestry of American history. As a Black reader, I appreciated seeing a narrative that goes beyond the confines of enslavement to highlight our resilience, creativity, and enduring impact, even in the face of immense challenges. Wilkerson’s portrayal of Black lives is both a tribute to our strength and a reminder of the many layers of our story.
The story is engaging, fast-paced, and emotionally challenging, prompting deep reflection on both personal identity and our shared history. I walked away feeling like I had learned something significant, and the emotional impact of the storytelling stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The only misstep for me was the romantic relationship, which felt forced and out of the blue. However, I understand that it wasn’t meant to be the focus of the book so the 5 stars stand.
If you enjoy rich character development, multiple timelines handled with care, and narratives that offer historical insight alongside emotional depth, Good Dirt is an excellent choice.
Thank you Libro.FM for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review
Trigger Warning: This book contains depictions of historical enslavement, racial trauma, and discussions of violence including the mention and discussion of the murder of a child