Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

Star rating: 4.5/5 

Afia Atakora's debut novel depicts life in the south for enslaved people before and after the Civil War. 

Summary:

Miss May Belle and her daughter Rue are referred to as conjurers. They are skilled in healing and midwifery, but also curses and voodoo. They are both enslaved at a plantation in the South for most of Rue's childhood. Once the war is over and they are declared free, Rue stays at the plantation with the other formerly enslaved people, unsure of what to do or where to go. When a sickness begins to ravage their population, the people turn on Rue, accusing her of devilry. They all feel lost and afraid, especially Rue. Alternating between pre- and post-Civil War, this is an enrapturing tale that provides a unique perspective on a horrifying period of time. 

Review: 

This book is truly stunning. Rue and May Belle are both strong, intelligent, instantly likeable characters, making the best with the terrible circumstances they are in. As an enslaved person, May Belle's special skills gave her power and value, enough so that by promising to teach her daughter the same skills, she was able to avoid Rue being sold off. Other enslaved people were often not so lucky, having their babies stolen from them and sold. This is just one of the many horrifying examples of what it was like to be enslaved at this time. 

Rue's innocence and friendship with the Master's daughter Varina was heartbreaking, and the complexity of their relationship was brilliantly depicted, Rue simultaneously loving and hating Varina. There was clearly so much care that went in to the crafting of this novel, every detail being well thought out. My reasons for taking off half of a star: I really did expect more of the ending. This was a very long novel with a lot of build up that ended quite abruptly and unsatisfyingly. I also thought many parts of the plot seemed unnecessary and confusing - Rue's sudden affair with a man she detested, Varina being alive and hidden away in a church. Overall though, this book is fantastic and I highly recommend it.