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A review by kimsbookerynookery
Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.25
I can't get over how underhyped this book is! Penelope's blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and African mythology is phenomenal. The main characters felt real and the side characters stood out. By the end of the book I was attached to the whole town, just rooting for their peace. The FMC, Jane, was strong even when battling trauma, and I really liked reading from the perspective of someone who was mute. I also really appreciated the references to ASL and struggles of communicating with those who refuse to accept her form of communication. It gave great representation for the mute and deaf communities.
The setting itself was full of love and loss. I could feel this town and it's beautiful community who fight to keep their found families amongst the lush southern backdrop. The real genius though was in the blending of African mythology in the magic system to help heal this community from the horrors of slavery and displacement. The end result was one of deep love and hope in the future, something we all need right now.
I can always get behind a book that shoots me into a hyperfocus on mythology, but this one took my hyperfocus a step further and made me OBSESS over the drowned towns in the US. For real, I will not be the same person after learning about the lakes in the US and people whose stories inspired Penelope to write about a "black Atlantis". Think Lake Lanier, but understand it wasn't the only lake created that way. The Author's note gave great references for anyone else who wants a deep dive into this history.
The setting itself was full of love and loss. I could feel this town and it's beautiful community who fight to keep their found families amongst the lush southern backdrop. The real genius though was in the blending of African mythology in the magic system to help heal this community from the horrors of slavery and displacement. The end result was one of deep love and hope in the future, something we all need right now.
I can always get behind a book that shoots me into a hyperfocus on mythology, but this one took my hyperfocus a step further and made me OBSESS over the drowned towns in the US. For real, I will not be the same person after learning about the lakes in the US and people whose stories inspired Penelope to write about a "black Atlantis". Think Lake Lanier, but understand it wasn't the only lake created that way. The Author's note gave great references for anyone else who wants a deep dive into this history.