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A review by fromthefoxhole
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-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
Maryse is a young black woman based in Macon, GA in 1922. Here, she has carved a path alongside fellow fighters in a somewhat underground war. As it turns out, some KKK members are less human than others, and she means to put an end to their reign of terror however possible.
The announcement of a reprise screening of Birth of a Nation happens to coincide with even stranger events than usual - events that force Maryse to confront her past, the past of her ancestors, and to make choices she never expected.
I really enjoyed this book, despite going in nearly blind on the plot. For its length, Ring Shout manages to pack quite the punch, with sprawling descriptions and a quick pace. I don't think there was ever a point where I felt confident in where the plot was headed, or the choices Maryse was going to make; rather, I was simply along for the ride and hoping that it wouldn't end with everything going up in smoke.
The announcement of a reprise screening of Birth of a Nation happens to coincide with even stranger events than usual - events that force Maryse to confront her past, the past of her ancestors, and to make choices she never expected.
I really enjoyed this book, despite going in nearly blind on the plot. For its length, Ring Shout manages to pack quite the punch, with sprawling descriptions and a quick pace. I don't think there was ever a point where I felt confident in where the plot was headed, or the choices Maryse was going to make; rather, I was simply along for the ride and hoping that it wouldn't end with everything going up in smoke.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Body horror, Death, Gun violence, and Racism
Minor: Child death and Death of parent