A review by sandysmith
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-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

3.75

There were parts of this book I loved, the historical story of plantation life and the darkness of plantation owners and the treatment of their slaves. Beautiful and hauntingly written. Hiram is the central character, and his mother is sold when he was nine. He is also the son of the plantation owner, but a slave never the less. Where it falls away for me is the introduction of conduction, a magical fantasy element that is where I feel the story fell short.  That aside, it is a magical, lyrical, brutal story of oppression, separation, and resistance. It's a devastating but joyful read.
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