Scan barcode
A review by savvylit
Mama Day by Gloria Naylor
dark
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
The most striking thing about this novel is Gloria Naylor's ability to set a scene. Willow Springs as a setting is so lush and evocative, I almost wished it were real. But if it were real, knowing of its existence would only spoil the magic of such an intentionally isolated community. Naylor's ability to create palpable characters that are so easy to love within that setting was also striking. Abigail, Mama Day, Coco, and George each had complex, well-developed thoughts and lives.
Where this book didn't work for me, ultimately, is the plot. At some point in the middle, I felt like the whole story dragged. There was also quite a lot of magical realism but perhaps not enough for my taste! What can I say, magical realism is one of my favorite genres.
If you like character studies set in the Deep South with a sprinkling of magic, you may love Mama Day.
Where this book didn't work for me, ultimately, is the plot. At some point in the middle, I felt like the whole story dragged. There was also quite a lot of magical realism but perhaps not enough for my taste! What can I say, magical realism is one of my favorite genres.
If you like character studies set in the Deep South with a sprinkling of magic, you may love Mama Day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Racism, Death, Child death, and Pregnancy