A reimagining of a most sickening and horrific history in that supernatural, fantastical, Djèlí style.
This book really made me feel deeply for people who have been — and still are being — treated in such barbaric ways simply for the colour of their skin. Racism cannot ever be allowed to succeed.
What struck me in this book is the end, where Maryse is sent back out their to cut down the next outbreak of racism. It reminded me of the United Kingdom, we stood up and beat down the National Front and the BNP and other vile racist groups back in the 20th century, and here we are in the 21st century with more of these sick and twisted fuckheads sprouting ever more groups to spread their hatred. But, as Djèlí says in the writing of this book, we cannot meet hatred with hatred, if we lower ourselves to their level we become exactly what they want us to be. We are better than that, we are better than them.
Djèlí’s writing is superb throughout and it’s hardly any wonder that it received the following accolades:
A 2021 Nebula Award Winner
A 2021 Locus Award Winner
A New York Times Editor’s Choice Pick!
A Booklist Editor’s Choice Pick!
A 2021 Hugo Award Finalist
A 2021 World Fantasy Award Finalist
A 2021 Ignyte Award Finalist
A 2021 Shirley Jackson Award Finalist
A 2021 AAMBC Literary Award Finalist
A 2021 British Fantasy Award Finalist
A 2021 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy Award Nominee
A 2020 SIBA Award Finalist
A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist
Named a Best of 2020 Pick for NPR | Library Journal | Book Riot | LitReactor | Bustle | Polygon | Washington Post
And now i only have one of Djèlí’s books left to read, and that is If the Martians Have Magic from 2021.