Scan barcode
stacereads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This was fun! I will say I wasn’t expecting it to read more like short-stories, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The interconnection between the different side characters and the main character Imelda and the little plot twists was entertaining to watch. I really loved the bits about Deacon Harry (Harold IV) and his love for the ocean 😭 maybe because I wasn’t expecting that to be where he kept running off to? idk. The pacing was great but it did start to feel a bit scattered and I had a bit of trouble keeping up with all the different characters. But I think the ending was wrapped up well and made it worthwhile. A beautiful exploration of extremism in religion and how hate is propagated behind scripture especially in the church.
hannicogood's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
3.5 // The different pacing and short anecdotes interspersed with longer chapters kept this really interesting. It’s a unique look at a both a small, insular community and the immigrant experience.
lannainthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
If its a sign of great writing that you can't get enough of their work, the fact that I've bought Miller's three novels in as many months speaks for itself.
Like Augustown, The Same Earth explores the history of rural Watersgate in Jamaica through the lives of its villagers and their interactions with each other and the outside world.
Although there are a lot of heavy topics thoughout the novel, including religion, homophobia and immigration, there is a lyrical quality to the writing and enough anecdotes to lighten it.
I've seen a lot of people comment on the disjointedness of the stories, but my favorite thing about Miller's work so far is his ability to craft seemingly unrelated stories and then bring them together seamlessly at the end. Absolutely a must read.
Like Augustown, The Same Earth explores the history of rural Watersgate in Jamaica through the lives of its villagers and their interactions with each other and the outside world.
Although there are a lot of heavy topics thoughout the novel, including religion, homophobia and immigration, there is a lyrical quality to the writing and enough anecdotes to lighten it.
I've seen a lot of people comment on the disjointedness of the stories, but my favorite thing about Miller's work so far is his ability to craft seemingly unrelated stories and then bring them together seamlessly at the end. Absolutely a must read.
bookofcinz's review against another edition
4.0
Updated April 1, 2021
One of my 2021 goals is to re-read all of Kei Miller’s work. I decided to start with SAME EARTH because it was his first novel. I like to experience an author from the start of their novels and what an amazing start.
In SAME EARTH we are taken to a small village in Watersgate, Jamaica. We are introduced to the different villagers who resides and visit Watersgate. The core of the story follows Imelda Richardson but we get an overall look into the lives of those around her. As with a lot of Miller’s work there is the presence of religion, folklore, immigrant and finding community, all of these were well executed.
Miller’s ability to take a small piece of Jamaica and carve it into a story that resonates is unmatched. How he takes us and pulls back the curtain on this village, you literally feel like you are watching over these people and their lives. You cannot help but cheer for them because they are so deserving. The comedy is unmatched, you literally find yourself in situations that makes you laugh out loud.
This is truly a great read.
February 2019
This is my second book by Kei Miller and I was not disappointed. I think Miller's style of writing is colorful, engaging and captures Jamaica and Jamaicans perfectly. From most of the reviews, I saw a lot of people either loved or really didn't like how "disjointed" the plot was and I can understand that feeling. However, that was the best part for me. I love how Miller is able to weave backstories together to create an overall plot. I did think "this book would have worked better if it was a collection of short stories" but, from reading his previous novels I noticed this is a style what works for Kei Miller.
If you are looking for a great, short but hilarious look into a Jamaica, specifically country life, this is a good place to start.
One of my 2021 goals is to re-read all of Kei Miller’s work. I decided to start with SAME EARTH because it was his first novel. I like to experience an author from the start of their novels and what an amazing start.
In SAME EARTH we are taken to a small village in Watersgate, Jamaica. We are introduced to the different villagers who resides and visit Watersgate. The core of the story follows Imelda Richardson but we get an overall look into the lives of those around her. As with a lot of Miller’s work there is the presence of religion, folklore, immigrant and finding community, all of these were well executed.
Miller’s ability to take a small piece of Jamaica and carve it into a story that resonates is unmatched. How he takes us and pulls back the curtain on this village, you literally feel like you are watching over these people and their lives. You cannot help but cheer for them because they are so deserving. The comedy is unmatched, you literally find yourself in situations that makes you laugh out loud.
This is truly a great read.
February 2019
This is my second book by Kei Miller and I was not disappointed. I think Miller's style of writing is colorful, engaging and captures Jamaica and Jamaicans perfectly. From most of the reviews, I saw a lot of people either loved or really didn't like how "disjointed" the plot was and I can understand that feeling. However, that was the best part for me. I love how Miller is able to weave backstories together to create an overall plot. I did think "this book would have worked better if it was a collection of short stories" but, from reading his previous novels I noticed this is a style what works for Kei Miller.
If you are looking for a great, short but hilarious look into a Jamaica, specifically country life, this is a good place to start.
jada's review against another edition
4.0
it would be an easy five stars if the ending wasnt so mid
i liked the witty lines and writing style, reminded me of so many other authors at once but better since it was much more relatable
i liked the witty lines and writing style, reminded me of so many other authors at once but better since it was much more relatable
bukolayemi's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Heavily character driven novel set in the small village of Watersgate, Jamaica.
‘Imelda Agnes Richardson learned something important on the morning if 29 September 1983: she found out that things could change overnight. On that morning she walked out of Watersgate, a single suitcase dragging behind her …’
The book starts with Imelda leaving Watersgate but she did return at a later date. We go back in time to learn that when Imelda was born, her father refused to bury her umbilical cord in the land, refused to tether her to the land even though this was what was done for every new born in the village.
Imelda travels to England and discovers that “Inside almost every immigrant there are two impulses - the impulse to shout, and the impulse to be silent. The second is by far the stronger impulse, for at some point almost every day, the immigrant is afraid of speaking. She is afraid that the sound of her voice will be a loud banner confirming to everyone else her deep fear that she does not belong. Ironically, the impulse to shout comes from the same reason, for the immigrant will want to hear in her voice proof that she belongs somewhere else, the melodious evidence of a nation that accepts her.”
We read about many other different characters and through them explore themes like identity and belonging, religion and spirituality, community living, race and colourism.
The writing style is brilliant, funny and engaging. Kei Miller uses Bible stories and myths in the mix. This is one to enjoy over and over again.
idah_mrashui's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
joanzoya's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5