A review by samantha_shain
Salt by Earl Lovelace

5.0

This is one of the most literarily distinguished books that I read this year, from beautiful sentences and syntax; round, complex characters; inventive form; and critical political commentary. I struggled with the book sometimes (I think reading it in a group or a class would be a better format for me, not the best book to pick up and put down, or read before bed since it does require some intellectual focus and attention) but nonetheless, I was captivated by the characters, sense of time and place, poetic prose, and polyvocal narration. Sometimes I felt that Bango and Alford were a bit *too* stereotypical or a political prop, but then I felt like that tension was addressed proactively and ultimately resolved at the end of the book. Major bonus points for women having space for introspection, political commentary, and agency!!! One of my favorite moments was Alford's growing self-awareness as a teacher with high expectations. I think to really get everything that this book has to offer, I would need to read it again and keep a character chart. That's not a complaint, but an invitation!