Scan barcode
A review by kpeninger
Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Leslye Penelope really should be getting more attention as an author. This is the second book I've read from her that I would classify as historical fantasy, and I remain impressed at her ability to create a compelling, interesting story that also manages to educate the reader, as it's based on real history. I knew vaguely of the drowned Black towns, but did not realize how ubiquitous it was in the 30s-50s. Though this was a fantasy novel, the fact that it was based in these realities has made me want to read more on the history that inspired it.
I really think that one of the author's main strengths as a writer is her characters. I adored all of these characters; Jane is a fantastic protagonist, though I will sayI don't feel super great that her disability was miraculously cured towards the end of the book; I recognize that it was a physical manifestation of her guilt, but I wish that her using her vocal cords had been more of a gradual process. I thought she was perfectly capable of using her voice even when her voice was in sign language . I thought her relationship with Grace was beautifully drawn, and Grace herself was an interesting mystery. I loved how the sisters grew together throughout the novel, despite the complications in their relationship. The rest of the characters were great as well; the Braithwaite family as a whole was really intriguing, and I loved the contorted dynamics between Daniel and the rest of the family. The small town ladies and gentlemen were also really fun to see, adding great texture to the piece.
I also loved the incorporation of African traditions, and some of the tensions and questions between the African religions depicted and Christianity. It is not necessarily unusual to find books these days that delve into and explore African folklore, religions, and traditions and utilize the stories and characters and gods from those backgrounds; it is less usual to see all of that in a story that interacts with Christianity as well, and not in a negative way. I was impressed by the balance that the author struck in acknowledging the power and importance of both of those traditions to the Black community in the United States, while simultaneously not shying away from the fact that Christianity was imposed, historically.
There were elements of this book that felt less polished, though. I did feel like the plot overall was a bit clunky and less well connected than I would like. At times it felt like a straightforward historical fiction novel, at times it felt like a fantasy novel, and only upon occasion did the two elements feel cohesive, like they were serving the same story. I also felt like the conclusion was a bit rushed; the last twenty percent of the book or so felt like it was scrambling.
Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed this. More people need to be reading Penelope's books; she is truly a talented writer who is writing unique, interesting stories. Many thanks to NetGalley for an eARC; all opinions are my own.
I really think that one of the author's main strengths as a writer is her characters. I adored all of these characters; Jane is a fantastic protagonist, though I will say
I also loved the incorporation of African traditions, and some of the tensions and questions between the African religions depicted and Christianity. It is not necessarily unusual to find books these days that delve into and explore African folklore, religions, and traditions and utilize the stories and characters and gods from those backgrounds; it is less usual to see all of that in a story that interacts with Christianity as well, and not in a negative way. I was impressed by the balance that the author struck in acknowledging the power and importance of both of those traditions to the Black community in the United States, while simultaneously not shying away from the fact that Christianity was imposed, historically.
There were elements of this book that felt less polished, though. I did feel like the plot overall was a bit clunky and less well connected than I would like. At times it felt like a straightforward historical fiction novel, at times it felt like a fantasy novel, and only upon occasion did the two elements feel cohesive, like they were serving the same story. I also felt like the conclusion was a bit rushed; the last twenty percent of the book or so felt like it was scrambling.
Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed this. More people need to be reading Penelope's books; she is truly a talented writer who is writing unique, interesting stories. Many thanks to NetGalley for an eARC; all opinions are my own.