A review by jademeu
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

dark emotional inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

"All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was." - Toni Morrison

"She saw him disappear by the river, / they asked her to tell what happened. / Only to discount her memory." Text from The Waterbearer, by Lorna Simpson.

Tiffany D. Jackson's character, Enchanted, is a waterbearer in this story. In the water in her blood is the memory of her happiness--the sea--as well as the memory of her horror, her abuser. Jackson honors the Black women artists who came before her, such as Toni Morisson and Lorna Simpson, while also fearlessly forging her own craft. The read was short, but it was powerful. The words clear, direct, yet capable of painting beautiful images. A reminder that this story may be fictional, but the stories it was inspired by are real. A powerful voice. A satisfying resolution for Enchanted.
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