Initial Impressions: Let Us Descend, by Jesmyn Ward - November 2023

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Comments on this board should be written with the assumption that not all readers have finished the book. Please take care not to reveal information that might lessen other readers’ enjoyment.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

This one is up to my library if I read this month. But hope to.

[Connie]

I'm looking forward to Let Us Descend. My library is coming through for me and just finished processing it.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I won a copy of this on a GR giveaway, so good timing for me.

[Cathrine ☯️]

Pretty sure my library will come through in time for this one.

[♥ Sandi ❣]

I just put a hold on the CD, but it is not at my library so no idea when they might release it to anyone other than their own patrons, even tho I am number one on the hold. I also have a hold on the book, and have had for awhile - so I am number 3 in that list. That one I may got before the month of November is over.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

We need to take library holds into consideration when nominating and voting for newly published books.

[♥ Sandi ❣]

I am in two groups that limit book suggestions to at least 4 months old - due to not being able to get them. Either they are not in libraries yet or there is so long a hold list that it takes about that long to get the book.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

That makes sense Sandi.

[Carol]

I’m 17% of the way in. This is heartbreaking in a beautifully written way. I have a feeling that this one will stay with me a long time.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

The writing poetic. I think the audio is a good choice.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I'm hoping to start this today. Looking forward to some beautiful writing.

[Sue]

My library hold still hasn't come up.

[Cathrine ☯️]

Mine just came in today. I'll get started in a few days.

[Sam]

I finished this but will withold most of my thoughts till the group catches up. I think the reader's opinion of this novel will dependent more on what attitude the reader brings to the novel. What some will see as lyrical, poetic, and beautiful, others will see as purple, and I could see it both ways. I was reading Groff's The Vaster Wilds at the same time and spent most of my thoughts comparing the two, since they have similarities. It also prompted some thoughts back to similar writing from McCarthy and Morrison.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Sam I was on the fence with it but will say the longer I stayed with it the better it got for me. And I’m so glad I stuck with it.

[Cathrine ☯️]

Sam wrote: "I was reading Groff's The Vaster Wilds at the same time and spent most of my thoughts comparing the two, since they have similarities."

Oh no. I DNF Vaster Wilds; tried 3 times to get into it on audio and it was too bleak for me at the time. Ward can be that way also.

[Sam]

I don't wish to say more as to not spoil things for anyone. I am glad I read both books. I also have questions about both. I hope everyone enjoys Let Us Descend, and I think that more likely if we aren't as readers trying to read the book with too critical an eye.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

It's intense, I'll just say that.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I wasn't going to join in this one, but this discussion has grabbed my attention. So I picked up a copy at a local bookstore this morning. Late to the party, again.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

November is only halfway done, Dave. You're not late, but it will be nice to get your viewpoint.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

The audio and Kindle copies of this came in for me on the same day so I was able to listen to this and read the passages that intrigued me. I'll comment more on the other side.

[Lexy]

Will not be able to get to this for a few weeks. However, did go to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in DC last week & learned & saw of many heartbreaking experiences. Highly recommend to all within traveling distance.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I'm struggling to get going with this. It's not the writing, it just doesn't feel like the right book to be reading at the moment. I'll give it one more try...

[♥ Sandi ❣]

I am not a good third person story reader. Nor am I an avid reader of stories where it is done in one persons thoughts and observations. This seems to be Ward's style of writing. I have tried a number of her books and to date do not think I have finished one of them. Her interests are good, as is her premise, but I just cannot get into her writing - as much as I have tried. Again I tried with this book, really looking forward to it, but found it a no go. I have to be in a seldom found distinct mood to be able to read this type of writing. This is a non rated DNF book for me.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I have authors like that too Sandi. Sometimes I'm just not on the same wavelength, no matter how much others might like them.

[♥ Sandi ❣]

Seems the older I get the more narrow my reading perspectives get. Probably not a good sign...lol! However I know what I like and what I don't, so can't waste time on ones I don't care for. Too many out there just waiting for my grubby little hands to open their cover...lol!