Book Review: The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an American author, journalist, and educator. He is perhaps best known for his work as a national correspondent for The Atlantic, where he has written extensively on issues of race, politics, and culture. Coates has also written several books, including the award-winning memoir “Between the World and Me.”

Overview

“The Water Dancer” is a novel about the underground railroad and the struggle for freedom in the antebellum South. The novel follows the journey of Hiram Walker, a young enslaved man who discovers that he has a supernatural power that could be the key to his own escape and to the liberation of others.

Review

“The Water Dancer” is a powerful and haunting novel that explores the brutal legacy of slavery in America. Coates is a gifted writer, and his prose is both lyrical and incisive. He has a remarkable ability to convey the emotional weight of historical trauma, and his characters are fully realized and deeply human.

One of the strengths of the novel is the way in which Coates intertwines history and fantasy. The supernatural elements of the novel are seamlessly integrated with the historical narrative, and they add a layer of depth and complexity to the story. The novel also deals with issues of memory and identity, and Coates does so with a sensitivity and nuance that is remarkable.

Another strength of the novel is the way in which it portrays the complexity of the relationships between enslaved people and their enslavers. Coates does not shy away from the brutality of slavery, but he also shows the ways in which enslaved people were able to carve out spaces of resistance and resilience.

“The Water Dancer” is a novel that demands to be read slowly and carefully. It is a rich and complex work that rewards close attention. Coates has created a powerful and resonant portrait of a brutal and unjust system, and he does so with a grace and sensitivity that is rare.

*****

About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 books, for more than ten years and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor; helping others to achieve their dreams.

Check out her book The Caribbean Family

The family is the genesis of all societies. Every culture has its distinct rules by which a family is governed, and the Caribbean family is no exception. Those rules differ within each group; for the Indians, Chinese, and Africans. Making up most of the population in the Caribbean, African families have spawned several sub-units or types; some of which are unique to the African culture. This book explores each family type and their history within the Caribbean.

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