The Book of Night Women by Marlon James
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Author: Marlon James Publisher: New York: Riverhead Books 2009 |
Lilith was born into slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation. Her green eyes are believed to be the evidence of her dark powers among fellow slaves, and thus she spends her childhood as the object of both fear and reverence. She also becomes the key to the success of the long-planned slave rebellion for The Night Women.
As she comes of age, Lilith finds herself in the centre of a complicated plot. She pushes boundaries, tests her power, and threatens to undermine the revolt.
A complex narrative of dangerous secrets, human emotion, and personal agency in the context of enslavement and violent oppression. This atmospheric tale weaves the supernatural with the historic, with fascinating Jamaican dialects written into the text.
This book is a visceral read, but it is also incredibly rewarding. A powerful insight into history, this book is layered with multiple perspectives and stories, making the narrative poignant and substantial. The different styles of writing, which reflect different characters' racial and cultural backgrounds, makes it an immersive reading experience. Definitely not a 'light' book to read, it will elicit strong emotional reactions - but the pay-off is cathartic, and leaves the reader with a lot to think about and discuss.
For readers who are interested gaining a well-rounded perspective of the colonial world; topical in the age of the Black Lives Matter movement.
CONTENT WARNING:
This work contains graphic descriptions of violence.
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