Introduction
Sing Unburied Sing is a novel written by Jesmyn Ward, an American author. The novel was published in 2017 and has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Fiction in 2017. The novel is a masterpiece that explores the complex themes of family, race, and identity.
The Plot
The novel is set in Mississippi and follows the story of a family who is haunted by their past. The main character, Jojo, is a thirteen-year-old boy who lives with his grandparents, Pop and Mam, as well as his little sister, Kayla. Jojo’s mother, Leonie, is a drug addict who is often absent from their lives. The novel explores the relationships between Jojo, his family, and the people they encounter on a road trip to pick up Jojo’s father from prison.
The Characters
The characters in Sing Unburied Sing are complex and multi-dimensional. Jojo is a thoughtful and sensitive child who is struggling to understand the world around him. His grandfather, Pop, is a wise and caring man who is haunted by his past as a prisoner. Mam, Jojo’s grandmother, is a strong and independent woman who is also dealing with health issues. Leonie, Jojo’s mother, is a complex character who is dealing with her addiction while trying to be a good mother to her children.
The Themes
The novel explores several themes, including family, race, and identity. The theme of family is central to the novel, as Jojo and his family struggle to come to terms with their past and their present. The theme of race is also a key element of the novel, as the characters confront the racial tensions that exist in the American South. The theme of identity is explored through the characters’ struggles to understand who they are and where they belong in the world.
The Writing Style
Jesmyn Ward’s writing style is lyrical and poetic. Her descriptions of the Mississippi landscape are vivid and evocative, and her characters are richly drawn and deeply felt. Ward’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, and her use of language creates a powerful sense of atmosphere and emotion.
The Reception
Sing Unburied Sing has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication. The novel has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Fiction in 2017. The novel has been praised for its powerful themes, richly drawn characters, and lyrical writing style. The novel has also been praised for its exploration of the complexities of the American South and its history of racial tension.
Conclusion
Sing Unburied Sing is a powerful and haunting novel that explores the complexities of family, race, and identity. Jesmyn Ward’s writing is lyrical and poetic, and her characters are richly drawn and deeply felt. The novel has received widespread critical acclaim and has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Fiction in 2017. If you’re looking for a literary masterpiece that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, Sing Unburied Sing is the perfect choice.