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A review by annecharlotte_reads
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A story about stories, told and untold, that can keep us alive and also kill us. About relationships and family, and how far we're each ready to go for the ones we love. About loving against violence and abuse and death, and keeping each other alive.
This novel is a thing of beauty. From the first few sentences you know you're in for something special: not only a powerful story but gorgeous writing. I was reminded of the best elements of Toni Morrison.
The story is written from 3 points of view. Sometimes I had trouble remembering if it was the mother or the son speaking, so maybe there isn't enough difference in style. These shifts are still incredibly powerful and force us to empathise with Léonie, a violent, abusive and neglectful mother, but also a daughter, a sister, a lover, traumatised and addicted to drugs. The magical realism is injected gradually and amplifies into a terrible, spectacular climax, right at the end.
This novel is a thing of beauty. From the first few sentences you know you're in for something special: not only a powerful story but gorgeous writing. I was reminded of the best elements of Toni Morrison.
The story is written from 3 points of view. Sometimes I had trouble remembering if it was the mother or the son speaking, so maybe there isn't enough difference in style. These shifts are still incredibly powerful and force us to empathise with Léonie, a violent, abusive and neglectful mother, but also a daughter, a sister, a lover, traumatised and addicted to drugs. The magical realism is injected gradually and amplifies into a terrible, spectacular climax, right at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Hate crime, Murder, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Rape, Drug abuse, and Forced institutionalization