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Content Warning: death, murder, violence, racism, slavery, misogynoir, torture,
Lilith is born on a sugar plantation, raised by a woman who is not her mother and a man who is not her father. Even as a child she radiates an energy, a power, that those around her don't quite understand. It isn't until Lilith does something unforgivable that she is taken in by Homer, an enslaved woman who is a part of the Night Women, a group of women who are plotting a slave revolt. Homer thinks Lilith is the key to the rebellion's success, but as Lilith grows older and starts to question everything around her, things become more and more complicated.
Written entirely in Jamaican Patois, this startling and unrelenting novel is both an homage to the many who suffered in slavery and a powerful tale of revenge. It's impossible not to root for Lilith, to care for her and be fearful for her and wonder what can possibly become of her as she struggles to keep her head up throughout the many indignities and atrocities of slavery. There are several other characters who also captured my heart and imagination, particularly Homer; I could've read an entire book written only about her. James's prose is striking in its unflinching depiction of life on the plantation, by turns arrestingly beautiful and horrifying.
I don't think I can say that I "enjoyed" this book. Was it shocking, compelling, and gorgeously written? Yes. And while it's an easy five stars from me, this is not the type of book that you can pick up casually and read in any mindset. There were several moments where I would put the book aside, forced to take a breather. In my opinion, other white people should put this on their list. There is no "happy slave" and "kind master" narrative here.
Lilith is fully fleshed-out, full of complexities, just like every other character that populated this book. James is one of the few male authors I've read that is able to capture women's feelings and thoughts with such accuracy and authenticity. In 2019 he published an African-inspired fantasy which I now can't wait to pick up.
If you are interested in historical fiction that doesn't shy away from harsh realities, please purchase this book. Brutal, unforgiving, and outstanding, I cannot recommend it highly enough -- especially to those of us who seek a deeper understanding of racism, its history and its lasting impact upon our society today.
I don't think I can say that I "enjoyed" this book. Was it shocking, compelling, and gorgeously written? Yes. And while it's an easy five stars from me, this is not the type of book that you can pick up casually and read in any mindset. There were several moments where I would put the book aside, forced to take a breather. In my opinion, other white people should put this on their list. There is no "happy slave" and "kind master" narrative here.
Lilith is fully fleshed-out, full of complexities, just like every other character that populated this book. James is one of the few male authors I've read that is able to capture women's feelings and thoughts with such accuracy and authenticity. In 2019 he published an African-inspired fantasy which I now can't wait to pick up.
If you are interested in historical fiction that doesn't shy away from harsh realities, please purchase this book. Brutal, unforgiving, and outstanding, I cannot recommend it highly enough -- especially to those of us who seek a deeper understanding of racism, its history and its lasting impact upon our society today.
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