Reviews

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

rachreadshella's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, Violence, and Rape

sm_moon's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Let us descend was nothing if not a beautiful character study written with incredible prose. It made me want to explore the full depths of Ward’s work…and luckily for me salvage the bones is a book I already own. In terms of a slave narrative this was both familiar and unique. Following some overused beats, such as losing a mother and facing lots of abuse. However it never felt overly gruesome and never exploitive. Occasionally I found myself conflicted, being obviously disgusted by the actions of the white people around Annis but finding Ward’s prose too beautiful as not to love every moment. I think where this book shines is at the end. The moment where Annis both acknowledges her strength and all the people who helped her along the way was wonderful! As well as her finally finding peace when the spirits around her want her to continue fighting. Overall a wonderful story. 

arj's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

rachmind's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sarahgraceyoung04's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

anisamad's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

erattakate's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

ronbert's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

april_98's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

spinstah's review against another edition

challenging dark

4.0

This was beautifully written but challenging to read, in part because of the subject matter. I liked the elements of magical realism and the strong connections Annis develops with other women she encounters.