This story was exceptional — I’m glad to have read it. Specifically because I loved the premise. There were so many lessons learned about the importance of honoring history, and of sharing burdens with your community. Next, while I grew to like Yetu as a character— in the beginning, she came across as one-dimensional and I was afraid she’d fall into the character trope of their entire characterization being their self-pitying attitudes. I only came to understand Yetu once I learned the history of the Wajinru and knew some of her history too, and from there could appreciate her more for understanding how and why she is this way. And I think she grew as a character over the course of the book, which helped.
I took off a star because for all that I like the premise and the plot, I’ll admit that I’m still confused about some of the broader concepts of the world in this book, like how things work in the deep. I think the world-building left much to be desired. A lot of what we know about the world is told from ‘rememberings’, and those are typically just brief stories, that while they offer good context for a lot of what is happening in the world, sometimes left me with more questions than answers. This book ultimately is one that left me with a lot of feelings, though I had to accept that I may never fully understand it. Still a great, and gripping read.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
This item: The Deep
$41.00
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jun 21
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
+
$10.90
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
+
$5.73
Get it Jun 25 - Jul 1
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start over
Don't sleep on this book! Powerful and poetic!
Water dwelling creatures (aka badass merpeople) that are descendants of African slave women who were thrown overboard on the ocean crossing to America. Tell me that's not one of the most powerful premises to a story ever. The Deep is not only written very well, but it's done in such a poetic way that felt effortless. This novella was inspired by the song "The Deep" by Daveed Diggs's rap group Clipping. I thought it was so wonderful how this novella and that song and all of the creators came together to make something so impactful. Yetu is the historian of her people. This role is bestowed on one to harbor all of the memories whether painful or amazing. One time a year, the historian grants the rest of their people the memories during the remembering. Problem is, this overwhelming responsibility is killing her. She flees to save herself, leaving the rest of them stuck in the remembering. By fleeing and meeting two-legged people, Yetu learns more about her past and her future, how to reclaim both her identity and theirs. Do not sleep on this! And, it's a very short read (less than 200 pages) and easily read in one sitting. And, don't forget to read the afterword as it explains so much about the underlying story. Also, without giving away too much, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ and, of course, BIPOC is always a plus.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
Top reviews from other countries
-
Cliente Amazon (Portugal)Reviewed in Spain on February 14, 2021
Good product
Já comecei a lerCliente Amazon (Portugal)Good product
Reviewed in Spain on February 14, 2021
Images in this review
- valeria BredeeReviewed in Mexico on February 15, 2021
Poor quality
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase -
