A review by marylou_w
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

3.0

I found this book to be well written — the way the words blended together had a very calming, story teller vibe to them that was pleasant to read. I also found the story itself interesting, although I had so many questions throughout the book and feel that I still have some after reading.

However, I did feel like this book felt longer than it was. I felt like when I read 50 pages, I had really read 100. I’m not sure if that’s a reflection on the pacing of the novel, but it sure felt weird.

I also constantly felt like this book had no real plot. To me, the plot felt like just the story of the lives of slaves from slavery, to freedom, to what comes next. And while it was interesting, and at times heartbreaking, the lack of clear direction on where the story was going really got to me.

Overall, I did enjoy all of the twists and turns this story took me through, and a lot of things happened that I wasn’t expecting. I don’t regret reading this novel at all, but it wasn’t exactly what I had anticipated.