Let Us Descend
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Let Us Descend
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Narrated by:
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Jesmyn Ward
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By:
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Jesmyn Ward
Bloomsbury presents Let Us Descend written and read by Jesmyn Ward.
* AN OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB PICK *
‘A spectacular achievement’ ANTHONY DOERR
‘Extravagantly beautiful’ DAILY MAIL
‘One of the greatest writers of all time’ JACQUELINE WOODSON
‘Extraordinary’ GUARDIAN
‘The best book I’ve read in years’ LOUISE KENNEDY
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The first weapon I ever held was my mother's hand.
On a slave plantation in the Carolinas, Annis has survived in the light of her mother’s resilience, comforted by stories of her African warrior grandmother. Everything she knows, she learned from her mother – how to fight, how to be strong, how to grow up in a world shrouded in darkness.
When she is sold south by the white enslaver who fathered her, Annis must venture onward through the rich but unforgiving landscapes of the American South alone: from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the slave markets of New Orleans, and into the fearsome heart of a Louisiana sugar plantation. Searching for relief in memories of her mother, she opens herself to a world beyond her own, teeming with spirits of earth, water, history and myth.
A reimagining of American slavery as beautifully rendered as it is heart-wrenching, Let Us Descend offers a magnificent portrait of the strength of the human spirit and its ability to emerge from darkness into light. This is a story of beauty, love, rebirth and reclamation – a masterwork for the ages.
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Ward paints a visceral picture of Annis's journey, weaving lush descriptions of the Southern landscape with the grit and grime of slave life. You feel the oppressive humidity, the sting of sweat and tears, the ever-present threat of violence. This isn't simply historical fiction; it's sensory immersion, forcing you to confront the inhumanity of the era alongside Annis.
But "Let Us Descend" isn't just about suffering. It's a testament to the enduring power of love and resilience. Annis's bond with her mother, Josephine, is a luminous thread woven throughout the narrative, a source of strength that fuels her every step. Josephine's stories of their African ancestors infuse the story with magic and defiance, reminding you that even in the darkest depths, the spirit of resistance burns bright.
Ward masterfully avoids romanticizing Annis's journey. She is forced to endure unimaginable hardships, both physical and emotional. Yet, she never becomes a passive victim. Annis is resourceful, cunning, and deeply empathetic, even towards those who perpetrate her suffering. She navigates betrayal, loss, and despair, but never loses sight of her inherent humanity, a testament to the strength that resides within even the most oppressed.
The novel's exploration of magical realism adds another layer of intrigue. Dreams bleed into reality, ancestral voices whisper guidance, and nature itself becomes a canvas for Annis's internal struggles. These elements aren't mere window dressing; they deepen the understanding of Annis's connection to her heritage and empower her spirit in the face of insurmountable odds.
"Let Us Descend" is a challenging book, undeniably. It doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of the past, but it does so with an unflinching honesty and profound respect for the lives lost and legacies preserved. It's a powerful testament to the human spirit, a story that will leave you shaken, yet ultimately hopeful, inspired by the unyielding resilience of individuals like Annis who dared to dream of freedom even in the darkest of times.
Prepare for emotional investment on this one
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terribly written, the plot has such promise yet falls flat with no triumph just tragedy.
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