★★★★★ 5
An important, powerful story
Format: Paperback
Salvage the Bones tells the story of an African American family in Mississippi in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. The narrative follows Esch, a young girl who has just found out she is pregnant and is reluctant to tell her brothers and father about it. Her father, with the help of her brothers, is preparing for the impending storm, certain that it will be devastating even when others doubt it. Additionally, her brother Skeetah tends to his dog who has just given birth, China.
This novel tells an important story of survivors who are often overlooked. It is an intense and well-paced read, as both Esch’s baby and Katrina are constantly looming. I greatly enjoyed the interweaving of Esch’s family’s story with the broader history of Katrina that I am more familiar with; it really empowered me to consider the individual lives of all those affected and just how much was lost. The familial relationships in this novel are its best part— they are all so complex but feel very true to life. Ward’s writing is accessible and clear while still providing a rich and powerful reading experience. Sometimes, the novel felt a bit on-the-nose with its themes and allusions, to the point where I found certain images and phrases overly repetitive. However, that was just one small gripe to much richer reading experience.
If you are interested in themes of maternity, poverty, survival, and climate, or simply want to experience a powerful and necessary story, I would recommend Salvage the Bones.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2019
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