Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
Author: Afia Atakora
Published: 2020
Call #: FIC/Atakora
This complex and immersive debut novel takes place on a Southern plantation before and after the Civil War. Told from the point of view of mother and daughter midwives, healers and conjurers of curses. The story begins with Rue's perspective during "Freedomtime", and moves seamlessly between then, "Slaverytime" and "Wartime." During "Slaverytime," May Belle takes her daughter Rue to witness the births in the slave quarters, teaching her to become a midwife. Rue witnesses the birth of a strange child, Bean, and their stories intertwine throughout the novel. May Belle not only teaches her daughter midwifery, but how to be a healer and how to keep the secrets of the Master and his family. Varina is the Master's daughter and a one-time playmate of Rue. As the women grow to adulthood, Rue learns some of Varina's secrets while her relationship with Bean comes to a head. The writing style is poetic and transports the reader to another place and time. Dreams, nightmares and the intricate web of secrets and ties between the characters will keep you enthralled to the end.
Michaelle S.
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