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A review by 2treads
River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved how the author incorporated her diaspora identity with her cultural identity. She wrote characters who though are of the land, were not raised there and have only a link through their mother and grandmother of certain cultural aspects. But through this story and the search for Riva Mumma's comb, she begins to learn more about herself and her ancestral history.
The pace moved quickly and descriptions were used to reveal more of the story and in no way bloated the plot. Everything was used with precision and the characters were engaging and honest in their interactions and existence.
The darker or scarier parts of the story were highlights for me as she drew directly from folktale, spinning it in her own interpretation which was greatly appreciated. It infused the story with not just new life but a reverence for who and what came before, allowing us to weave new tales from old, in new spaces and with new people.
The social commentary was on point and I loved that she used these three friends to show different sides to how one can view the world and some societal aspects.
A fantastic read for me!
The pace moved quickly and descriptions were used to reveal more of the story and in no way bloated the plot. Everything was used with precision and the characters were engaging and honest in their interactions and existence.
The darker or scarier parts of the story were highlights for me as she drew directly from folktale, spinning it in her own interpretation which was greatly appreciated. It infused the story with not just new life but a reverence for who and what came before, allowing us to weave new tales from old, in new spaces and with new people.
The social commentary was on point and I loved that she used these three friends to show different sides to how one can view the world and some societal aspects.
A fantastic read for me!
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Car accident, Classism, Colonisation, Grief, Racism, Murder, Death, Violence, Slavery, and Cultural appropriation