A review by haley49
The Deep by Rivers Solomon

challenging dark emotional slow-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

3.5

It’s weird to rate this book as if it is a traditional novel. This book was history and theory and philosophy in a fantasy package with no true plot. It is like an African version of the Giver with mermaids and true pain. It feels like mythos that exists to explain the world and teach themes more than to entertain. The subject matter feels vague and yet close to home. Remembering the tragedies of the past is important and this presents the Atlantic slave trade in a new way that we benefit from as readers. That said, the story is deeply tragic and is so vague and cloudy it obscures close connection. The narrative is a story of the collective told through singular eyes. The main character is not made to be super likable but to be a person trying to exist beyond the vicitimhood of their situation. It’s about generational trauma and the effect on one’s self.  
I hope any of that makes sense but what I mean to say is that it’s existence is profound and important but not necessarily enjoyable as it’s own work without context and intention. 
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