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A review by erikadawnbraham
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
3.0
3/5 Stars ⭐️
I really wanted to love this book. The premise was incredibly compelling—following a mother’s journey through the Caribbean in search of her children after the abolition of slavery. As someone who knows next to nothing about the slave trade in the Caribbean, I was drawn in by the opportunity to learn more through the lens of historical fiction.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t land for me the way I had hoped. While the writing itself was solid and the pacing steady, the emotional depth and character development felt lacking. The protagonist’s journey, though physically arduous, seemed emotionally muted. Her ability to move through complex and painful situations without real inner turmoil or conflict made the story feel flat and, at times, unrealistic.
When I read historical fiction—especially about something as harrowing as slavery—I expect to feel gutted, moved, and emotionally invested. I wanted the rawness, the heartbreak, and the lingering ache that powerful historical fiction often brings. Instead, this book felt like it skimmed the surface of its emotional potential.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with River Sing Me Home, and I can see why others might connect with its quiet strength. But for me, it lacked the emotional resonance and character depth I look for in this genre. A worthwhile story, just not one that left a lasting impression.
I really wanted to love this book. The premise was incredibly compelling—following a mother’s journey through the Caribbean in search of her children after the abolition of slavery. As someone who knows next to nothing about the slave trade in the Caribbean, I was drawn in by the opportunity to learn more through the lens of historical fiction.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t land for me the way I had hoped. While the writing itself was solid and the pacing steady, the emotional depth and character development felt lacking. The protagonist’s journey, though physically arduous, seemed emotionally muted. Her ability to move through complex and painful situations without real inner turmoil or conflict made the story feel flat and, at times, unrealistic.
When I read historical fiction—especially about something as harrowing as slavery—I expect to feel gutted, moved, and emotionally invested. I wanted the rawness, the heartbreak, and the lingering ache that powerful historical fiction often brings. Instead, this book felt like it skimmed the surface of its emotional potential.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with River Sing Me Home, and I can see why others might connect with its quiet strength. But for me, it lacked the emotional resonance and character depth I look for in this genre. A worthwhile story, just not one that left a lasting impression.