Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel - Book reviews of Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel

'Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel' book reviews

Review for'Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel'

Jesmyn Ward's "Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel" is a powerful, hauntingly lyrical work that weaves together past and present with a deftness that is both compelling and emotionally resonant. This novel, which won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2017, is a testament to Ward's prowess as a storyteller and her ability to bring to life the deeply rooted complexities of family, race, and memory in the American South.

The narrative unfolds through the voices of three main characters: Jojo, a thirteen-year-old boy on the brink of adolescence; his troubled mother, Leonie; and Richie, a ghostly figure from the past. Jojo is a character who carries the weight of his family's history on his young shoulders. He is wise beyond his years, shaped by the absence of his father, who is incarcerated, and the presence of his maternal grandparents, who provide him with the stability and love that his mother cannot.

Leonie, on the other hand, is a deeply flawed and tragic figure. Struggling with addiction and the loss of her brother, Given, her life is a mess of pain and unresolved grief. Her love for her children is evident, yet her inability to properly care for them is heartbreaking. Through Leonie's perspective, Ward explores the themes of motherhood and the cyclical nature of trauma, showing how the past continues to influence the present in profound ways.

Richie's presence in the novel adds a layer of supernatural and historical depth. As a ghost who cannot find peace, he represents the countless African American lives lost to the brutalities of the Jim Crow South. His story, intertwined with that of Jojo's grandfather, Pop, reveals the horrors of Parchman Farm, a notorious Mississippi State Penitentiary. Through Richie's narrative, Ward confronts the reader with the painful legacy of racial injustice in America.

Ward's prose is nothing short of poetic. Her ability to capture the rural Mississippi landscape and the inner lives of her characters with such vivid detail is remarkable. The novel's structure, alternating between the perspectives of Jojo, Leonie, and Richie, allows for a multi-faceted exploration of its themes. Each voice is distinct and authentic, adding richness and depth to the story.

"Sing, Unburied, Sing" is more than just a story about a family's road trip to retrieve a father from prison; it is a profound meditation on the bonds that tie us to our ancestors, the ghosts that haunt us, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Ward does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life for African Americans in the South, but she also imbues her characters with a sense of hope and redemption.

In conclusion, Jesmyn Ward has crafted a novel that is both deeply personal and universally significant. "Sing, Unburied, Sing" is a poignant exploration of the ways in which history, memory, and identity are intertwined. It is a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, a testament to Ward's extraordinary talent and her unflinching honesty in depicting the struggles and triumphs of her characters. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary American literature and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

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