Song for Almeyda and Song for Anninho

by Gayl Jones

By the acclaimed writer of Palmares and Corregidora .


When the Portuguese attack Palmares, Brazil's last fugitive slave enclave, Almeyda and her husband are separated as they flee from the destruction. Amid the flight and re-enslavement of the inhabitants, their narrative emerges.


Two powerful, epic poems give voice to the Almeyda's passionate lament for Anninho, whom she believes has been killed, is combined with his response as he searches for her. Their story is one of longing - for each other, for freedom - and for revolution.

'I want to stay here, Anninho.'
'There won't be any way
you can stay here.
When they catch us,
they'll take you back.'
'The men they kill,
the women they take back.'

Genres: Poetry, Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2022

About the author

Gayl Jones is an African-American writer from Lexington, Kentucky. Her most famous works are Corregidora, Eva's Man, and The Healing.

Jones is a 1971 graduate of Connecticut College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While attending the college she also earned the Frances Steloff Award for Fiction. She then began a graduate program in creative writing at Brown University, studying under poet Michael Harper and earning a Master of Arts in 1973 and a Doctor of Arts in 1975.

Harper introduced Jones's work to Toni Morrison, who was an editor at the time, and in 1975, Jones published her first novel Corregidora at the age of 26. That same year she was a visiting lecturer at the University of Michigan, which hired her the following year as an assistant professor. She left her faculty position in 1983 and moved to Europe, where she wrote and published Die Vogelfaengerin (The Birdwatcher) in Germany and a poetry collection, Xarque and Other Poems. Jones's 1998 novel The Healing was a finalist for the National Book Award, although the media attention surrounding her novel's release focused more on the controversy in her personal life than on the work itself. Her papers are currently housed at the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University. Jones currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she continues to write.

Jones has described herself as an improvisor, and her work bears out that statement: like a jazz or blues musician, Jones plays upon a specific set of themes, varying them and exploring their possible permutations. Though her fiction has been called “Gothic” in its exploration of madness, violence, and sexuality, musical metaphors might make for a more apt categorization.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a giveaway book I received from Beacon Press. This is a verse novel which I didn't fully comprehend when I entered the giveaway. That is a style for which I am not appreciative. The writing is lyrical and vividly tells the story of love between Almeyda and Anninho, separated in 17th century Brazil. The story tells the history of slaves ,masters, medium/witch doctor and lovers. For those who appreciate the verse novel genre, it is beautiful. However, I struggled with the style.

[Erinn H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book in a goodreads giveaway from Beacon Publishing. Thank you!

2.5 stars.

I want to start with the things I enjoyed: I appreciated the overall format/concept of this book - it being two epic poems - and I thought the writing style was engaging. I will probably try some of Jones's other works in the future.

However, the reason I can't rate this higher is that, for some reason, I just can't get into the story/characters. I haven't been able to identify why. I don't necessarily think its any "failing" on the author's part, it just isn't for me. Before reading Song for Almeyda & Song for Anninho , I tried to read it's predecessor, Palmares , but I had to 'DNF' it for the same reasons. I think, had I spent time with/connected with those characters in Palmares prior to reading this one, it would have enriched the experience.

Readers who enjoyed Palmares and enjoy the poetic format will likely enjoy this one as well.

[Kimia Domire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feverish lyrical dream.

Almeyda and Anninho are lovers of African descent who lose each other while attempting to escape the captivity imposed on them by Portuguese colonial settlers in 17th century Brazil.

The languages and poetry used, the choice of rhythmic motifs and song lyrics - it's all expertly done by a writer and poet who is clearly a student of her craft.

I found myself falling into the imagery headfirst, getting thrown around unpredictably like a crowd surfer in a mosh pit. It was a really cool reading experience.

I wish we had spent longer with Anninho, who seems to be more present in the wider political world. Almeyda's song is also beautiful but I found it a little less readable. She sounds lovesick in a way that I struggle to connect with, but that probably speaks more to my low appetite for heavy romanticism.

Overall gorgeous and mesmerising. Would recommend to readers of experimental styles and anyone interested in historical fantasy of African diaspora.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and didn’t know anything about the subject or history. It’s not a genre I usually read and I really had no idea what to expect. I struggled in the beginning because I was wanted to understand everything and realized I was overthinking it. Once I allowed my mind to flow with words and the “song” it became a completely new reading experience. The story, the images, and mostly the feelings these verses evoke are achingly beautiful, heart rending. This book is more felt than read, it’s hard to find words to describe it’s intimacy, vulnerability, strength, and the expression of the timelessness of love. If you really want to feel something, I encourage you to open yourself up to these gorgeous songs.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for lovers of poetry, especially those who have studied poetry in college. It's a book you may enjoy more each time you read it. I liked both of the poems but especially Song for Anninho.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am reading the novelization, Palmares currently. This is a superb supplement and compliment to that book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really really good, didn’t like song for almeyda as much but the second poem is immense

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can tell that both poems were written at different times but they still frame each other nicely.

[Candice Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read. Second poetry book I have read this year and I think this genre just isn’t for me.

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but I'll round up.