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A review by wordsofclover
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
2.5
I really wanted this one to work for me but unfortunately I just didn't enjoy it the way I hoped - this may have been because I listened to it on audiobook, and I think even though the audiobook narrator was good, it just didn't connect with me the way you want an audio experience to.
This book examines a very dark time in American history as we follow Hiram Walker, who was born on a Virginian plantation, his father the plantation owner, and forced to watch his mother be taken from him and sold and then eventually he is taken to the big house to work and become an assistant to the owner's son, his half brother. As Hiram gets older, things happen that make it clear he has a perculiar gift, and when he discovers an Underground group, his gift becomes the key for success.
This book is beautifully written and told, and I was really struck by so many parts of it. Hiram's memory loss due to the trauma of having his mother taken, and then his strange upbringing with knowing who his father was but always treated like a servant and knowing he'd never be more than that to his family was so sad. And then we see Hiram's found family in the form of elderly caretaker Athena, butler Rocco and Sophia, who becomes a love interest for Hiram but due to her beauty is used in ways that are unimaginable.
I think what mostly didn't work for in this book is the blend of genres and the way the historical story of the Underground Railroad, and the magical realism of Hiram and Harriet's gifts. I found myself confused a lot at times, and I think the pacing of the story also suffered because of this - it really felt like it took a very long time to Hiram to really understand his gift, and be able to use it the way he wanted. And by the time he gets home to Virginia, and Athena and Sophia, the book was almost over and his mission to save them felt very rushed.
This book examines a very dark time in American history as we follow Hiram Walker, who was born on a Virginian plantation, his father the plantation owner, and forced to watch his mother be taken from him and sold and then eventually he is taken to the big house to work and become an assistant to the owner's son, his half brother. As Hiram gets older, things happen that make it clear he has a perculiar gift, and when he discovers an Underground group, his gift becomes the key for success.
This book is beautifully written and told, and I was really struck by so many parts of it. Hiram's memory loss due to the trauma of having his mother taken, and then his strange upbringing with knowing who his father was but always treated like a servant and knowing he'd never be more than that to his family was so sad. And then we see Hiram's found family in the form of elderly caretaker Athena, butler Rocco and Sophia, who becomes a love interest for Hiram but due to her beauty is used in ways that are unimaginable.
I think what mostly didn't work for in this book is the blend of genres and the way the historical story of the Underground Railroad, and the magical realism of Hiram and Harriet's gifts. I found myself confused a lot at times, and I think the pacing of the story also suffered because of this - it really felt like it took a very long time to Hiram to really understand his gift, and be able to use it the way he wanted. And by the time he gets home to Virginia, and Athena and Sophia, the book was almost over and his mission to save them felt very rushed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Minor: Sexual harassment