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A review by nisanatreads
Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé
challenging
dark
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? Yes
5.0
The novel begins with the murder of Francis Sancher, a handsome stranger, just outside Riviere au Sel, the village in Guadeloupe where he had recently made his home. A polarising figure, his death doesn't come as a surprise, especially as he had always predicted a violent death for himself. Each chapter focuses on a different person connected to the village and to Francis, revealing another layer of the story. In this way we get to know not only the murder victim, but all the possible suspects.
First of all, I loved the fact that this novel is about a man being murdered (there are far too many stories that focus on and sexualise femicide) and at the same time manages to broaden the narrative to include mostly female characters of the village. Most chapters tell the story from the point of view of a woman in Sancher's life, which is particularly poignant because so much of the story focuses on women not being able to control the narrative because stories are made up or distorted.
Then there's the very prominent theme of female desire and mother-daughter relationships. Loveless marriages and sexual assault also come up. It sounds horrible, but it's actually a very powerful read because these women have persevered and carried on for generations. Sancher's role in their lives takes on many different guises - he himself could be named as the perpetrator of many crimes - which is why he's such a fascinating victim.
There's no easy answer to any of the questions Condé asks. What she does do is paint a detailed picture of Caribbean culture and community that will stay with you. It's a thought-provoking book with many insights into Creole and Caribbean culture.
Find me on Instagram @nisanatreads
First of all, I loved the fact that this novel is about a man being murdered (there are far too many stories that focus on and sexualise femicide) and at the same time manages to broaden the narrative to include mostly female characters of the village. Most chapters tell the story from the point of view of a woman in Sancher's life, which is particularly poignant because so much of the story focuses on women not being able to control the narrative because stories are made up or distorted.
Then there's the very prominent theme of female desire and mother-daughter relationships. Loveless marriages and sexual assault also come up. It sounds horrible, but it's actually a very powerful read because these women have persevered and carried on for generations. Sancher's role in their lives takes on many different guises - he himself could be named as the perpetrator of many crimes - which is why he's such a fascinating victim.
There's no easy answer to any of the questions Condé asks. What she does do is paint a detailed picture of Caribbean culture and community that will stay with you. It's a thought-provoking book with many insights into Creole and Caribbean culture.
Find me on Instagram @nisanatreads