A review by obscurepages
The Deep by Rivers Solomon

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

STOP. THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE 😭

Intersex merfolk who are descendants of pregnant African slaves women? A clever and compelling story about individuality and community, and history's significance towards the people in the present? A story that highlights intergenerational trauma and its impact? A story that highlights the need to discover personal identity while still wanting to connect with your people's history? This book is ALL of these, and it's also so much more.

Brilliantly written, this book is steeped with folklore and world-building and introspective themes. The perspectives, which can switch from the MC to an ancestor, highlight amazing storytelling from the author.

Overall, this was poignant and it was powerful. Definitely one of my top reads for the year. 🥹

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