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Gail B. (Albuquerque, NM)
A WRINKLE IN TIME
Is voodoo real, or is there truly a portal between time and space? REMEMBRANCE demands a leap of faith -- but then the reader is in for a treat. The novel begins in a modern-day nursing home and spans time from the 1791 slave rebellion in Haiti, to mid-19th century Louisiana to today, as black women struggle for freedom. The community of Remembrance is surrounded by "the Edge," which allows its residents to move through time and place. Rita Wood has written such an intriguing story, I read it twice.
Rebecca G. (Havertown, PA)
Mystical and Magical
It is intriguing to me that so many novels involving African American slaves contain some sort of magic. Slaves that can shape time and space, can see the future, can talk to and conjure up the spirits. I have always wondered if the magic is a way of dealing with the extreme oppression, of controlling and confusing the Whites who perpetuate the evil, if that makes it real. Remembrance is the best example of this magic that I've ever read. It's the story of four women: Abigail, the creator, Margot, Winter and Gaelle, women who have experienced slavery and evil either directly or indirectly. It's the story of a
…more place, Remembrance, a place of sanctuary along the road to freedom that ultimately cannot escape the horrors of the power of the "blancs".
I fell in love with these women and that place, their strength, their fortitude, their love. The story is ultimately a warning. We have not overcome racism but there are those ready to protect the oppressed at all cost. This a story everyone should read. (less)If you prefer or need your fiction to be chronological, Remembrance is not for you. If you want your fiction to seem like "real life," Remembrance is not for you. I loved the strong yet flawed women with special talents. I felt the sense of place in each locale. The action and relationships are compelling. I've read all of Morrison, a divine writer, and loved Homegoing, The Underground Railroad, and The Nickel Boys. This novel stood up well against these works. I even want to know more about quantum mechanics!
Mary L. (Greeley, CO)
History, mystery, and spirit
Spanning 1791 to the 21st century and from Haiti to New Orleans to Ohio, this story of the lives of three women, deepens one's understanding of the African American experience. Additionally, the mystery of spiritual power in Vodun (anglicized as Voodoo) intrigues a reader. The three women in the novel, so different from me, seemed to take me by the hand and show me their worlds. The book and the mysterious Josiah's words to the contemporary character, Gaelle, will stay with me. "How much more will you allow this world to take from you?"
Melanie B. (Desoto, TX)
Well Written Narratives Anchor Remembrance
This story is a well imagined telling of the power of memory to root us to time and place. The main characters of Mother Abigail, Winter, Margot and Gaelle are connected through a remembering of ancestors and the collective strength of creating and sustaining places of comfort and safety. I was captivated by the characters' connections with each other and would definitely read more should the author continue with a series.
Mary D. (Claremont, CA)
Remembrance by Rita Woods
For a debut novel, this is outstanding! While I was initially expecting a more historical story about the Underground Railroad, this novel was more about the spiritualism and mysticism of three women, tied together by their 'powers' and history. The novel grabbed me before the end of the Prologue and didn't let go!
The writing is exquisite, the characters drawn expertly, flaws and good points equally prominent. One character in particular, Josiah, was so well detailed that I couldn't make up my mind as to whether he was a good person or a bad person, each set of qualities balancing the other. The sections
…more involving the pursuits by slavers were fearful, well-detailed. I could feel the absolute fear people felt when hiding and when held by the slavers.
Even though I don't classify this as 'historical fiction' (too much mysticism and spiritual power play), it was an exciting, thoroughly engrossing read that I highly recommend to everyone. And I am really looking forward to any upcoming works by Rita Woods! (less)Set in 3 different eras, Rita Woods' debut novel is a home run that deals with African American women of assorted ages in situations of flux and peril, including a female slave named Abigial who leaves behind during the revolution in Haiti everyone she loves in order to escort to safety her mistress. The unifying theme is a hidden stop on the underground railroad. Woods' character development is detailed to the point that these characters enter the reader's psyche and you think about them while putting the book down and even after finishing the book.
Cam G. (Murrells Inlet, SC)
Remembrance
Leader of Remembrance, Mother Abigail, a truly special woman, built a sanctuary, called Remembrance for the runaway slaves on their flight to Freedom. This is a captivating story of living in freedom until "Slavers" invade their home, and wreak havoc on the their sanctuary, killing and destroying. The author, Rita Woods, has written an extremely good book, but one that was difficult for me to read.
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