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A review by rorikae
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
'The Deep' by Rivers Solomon is an incredibly powerful and evocative tale that delves into the long lasting effects of trauma and the power of collective memory.
The story centers around the Wajinru, the descendants of pregnant African women that were cast overboard from slave ships. These women gave birth to the Wajinru, mermaids that can live in the depths of the ocean where they have created their own society. As part of this society, they have a Historian, who holds all of the memories of the Wajinru, and who once a year shares them with the rest of the society in the Remembering. In 'The Deep,' we follow Yetu, the current Wajinru historian, who is having trouble dealing with all of the trauma and pain that is captured in the memories that she holds. Seeking rest from the pain, she leaves the Wajinru during a Remembering ceremony to try and find herself.
Recently, I've read a number of books that I feel can't be accurately described in a review and 'The Deep' holds true to this. Solomon's writing brings one instantly into the tale and the pain and suffering that Yetu is feeling. It's a short novel and yet Solomon tells such an expansive story. Through snippets of the Wajinru's history played out beside Yetu's own story, Solomon explores how trauma lives within the body and how history can feel like both a burden and the thing that ties a group of people together.
This is an incredible book. A story that needs to be experienced and that I think everyone should read. I also encourage everyone to seek out owned voices reviews for this story. One of my favorites is by Ashley at Bookishrealm.
The story centers around the Wajinru, the descendants of pregnant African women that were cast overboard from slave ships. These women gave birth to the Wajinru, mermaids that can live in the depths of the ocean where they have created their own society. As part of this society, they have a Historian, who holds all of the memories of the Wajinru, and who once a year shares them with the rest of the society in the Remembering. In 'The Deep,' we follow Yetu, the current Wajinru historian, who is having trouble dealing with all of the trauma and pain that is captured in the memories that she holds. Seeking rest from the pain, she leaves the Wajinru during a Remembering ceremony to try and find herself.
Recently, I've read a number of books that I feel can't be accurately described in a review and 'The Deep' holds true to this. Solomon's writing brings one instantly into the tale and the pain and suffering that Yetu is feeling. It's a short novel and yet Solomon tells such an expansive story. Through snippets of the Wajinru's history played out beside Yetu's own story, Solomon explores how trauma lives within the body and how history can feel like both a burden and the thing that ties a group of people together.
This is an incredible book. A story that needs to be experienced and that I think everyone should read. I also encourage everyone to seek out owned voices reviews for this story. One of my favorites is by Ashley at Bookishrealm.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence