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A review by lit_vibrations
Mother Swamp by Jesmyn Ward
4.0
Another great short story part of the A Point in Time series, which is a transporting collection of stories about the pivotal moments, past and present, that change lives.
This story follows a hidden community built by people escaping slavery. We have one woman that managed to escape a plantation, create shelter, and give birth to a child that would help continue her legacy for generations to come. First Mother made a deal with island men from another village that began with her daughter. Once each girl born turned seventeen they’d return to the village to select a man to help them bare a child. If born a girl they’d remain with the mother. But if born a boy the son would be returned to the village and taught how to be a man.
Different mothers from each generation tell their stories of courage and survival until the cycle ends with Afice. Being the last of nine generations of women who survived enslavement, sickness, and hunger. It’s now Afice’s turn to decide whether she will continue her ancestors legacy and bare a child or choose her own path.
Jesmyn Ward is such an incredible writer. I love how she created such a powerful fictional perspective on Maroon communities that was inspired by true historical events and research. Maroon communities are quite interesting, and clearly aren’t discussed enough as a part of history because this was the first I’ve heard of them. Overall, this was a really great quick read definitely wish there was more to continue the story. It had one of those endings that left you with unanswered questions.
This story follows a hidden community built by people escaping slavery. We have one woman that managed to escape a plantation, create shelter, and give birth to a child that would help continue her legacy for generations to come. First Mother made a deal with island men from another village that began with her daughter. Once each girl born turned seventeen they’d return to the village to select a man to help them bare a child. If born a girl they’d remain with the mother. But if born a boy the son would be returned to the village and taught how to be a man.
Different mothers from each generation tell their stories of courage and survival until the cycle ends with Afice. Being the last of nine generations of women who survived enslavement, sickness, and hunger. It’s now Afice’s turn to decide whether she will continue her ancestors legacy and bare a child or choose her own path.
Jesmyn Ward is such an incredible writer. I love how she created such a powerful fictional perspective on Maroon communities that was inspired by true historical events and research. Maroon communities are quite interesting, and clearly aren’t discussed enough as a part of history because this was the first I’ve heard of them. Overall, this was a really great quick read definitely wish there was more to continue the story. It had one of those endings that left you with unanswered questions.