A review by kylieqrada
The Deep by Rivers Solomon

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I listened to this via the audiobook version, which is narrated by Daveed Diggs. I highly, highly recommend that reading experience. I had previously read An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon, so I knew that I was in for some deep (no pun intended) stuff with anything by them. However, I think that what Rivers accomplished here is so beyond anything else I've read, especially when considered with the context of the Drexia ouevre and the clipping song. The exploration of generational trauma and the impact of history on the collective and the individual was heart-rending, deeply impactful, and richly portrayed through each character. Also the diversity in this short novella is some of the best I've ever seen. I see you, demi rep! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy