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lizziekam's review against another edition
5.0
If you have been intimidated by the length of this book, let me assure you that this is a barn burner of a novel, and I tore through it over the course of a week. Deserving of a place on the list of Great American Novels, this is a generational saga spanning 200 years, beginning with indigenous people in what became Georgia but centers on Ailey, a 20th century Black woman.
caitlynconley's review against another edition
5.0
All I could say when I closed this book is “Thank you” to Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. I am left speechless and I hope to never find the words to convey the feeling in my heart right now. Thank you.
mugosmoogo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
You will learn a lot, feel a lot…
This was one of the fastest ~BIG~ books I’ve ever read. The writing style is so approachable. I think anyone that wants to read this should try.
The interlocking stories, past and present, kept me reading. The way Jeffers brings ideas into drama into poetry - I think it was really well done.
This would have been a five star book, but like another reviewer said, “the author must have been playing trigger warning bingo when drafting this.” I know trauma is a part of life for these characters - in their history. But in the modern timeline to have Ailey and her family again and again hit with it…? Trauma is always there somewhere and it informs our actions, it should be written about. I don’t think it means every possible trauma has to happen to this character in this book.
The death and abuse starts to feel senseless after a while.
All of that said-
Read warnings for this book. I recommend it still. It’ll fly by, and I promise you’ll learn something and want to continue learning more.
This was one of the fastest ~BIG~ books I’ve ever read. The writing style is so approachable. I think anyone that wants to read this should try.
The interlocking stories, past and present, kept me reading. The way Jeffers brings ideas into drama into poetry - I think it was really well done.
This would have been a five star book, but like another reviewer said, “the author must have been playing trigger warning bingo when drafting this.” I know trauma is a part of life for these characters - in their history. But in the modern timeline to have Ailey and her family again and again hit with it…? Trauma is always there somewhere and it informs our actions, it should be written about. I don’t think it means every possible trauma has to happen to this character in this book.
The death and abuse starts to feel senseless after a while.
All of that said-
Read warnings for this book. I recommend it still. It’ll fly by, and I promise you’ll learn something and want to continue learning more.
rct76's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Wow. Wow. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
katielovesbooks134's review against another edition
5.0
Libby audio. It’s super long, but excellent.
maniccrafter's review against another edition
5.0
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is a stunningly intimate epic. The scope of this novel alone is so impressive and it is paired beautifully with empathetically vibrant characters in every generation. Jeffers captures a snapshot of early American history and allows us to come along in the journey of re-discovery. I want everyone to read this book.
dcole207's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t have anything constructive to say about this book other than, yes it’s very long, but it’s also a very captivating page-turner. The history, the characters, the humanity. Ignore the length and pick it up.
nikkib5's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
mbrazz's review against another edition
5.0
I laughed, I cried, I felt it all. This book was so beautifully written as it weaves through history and told of the struggles of my own family. Those vicious cycles and generational curses intertwined with triumph. I am so sad that it is over. Thank you thank you thank you. This is a book I will pick up again and again and recommend to everyone I know.
amc33's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? No
5.0