I loved An Unkindness of Ghosts, so when I found out Rivers Solomon had a new book coming out I preordered immediately. This novella did not disappoint. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer, but how could it be. It's perfect as it is.
This is a story about Yetu, the historian for the wajinru. She holds the memories of every ancestor so that the rest don't have to. The wajinru are the descendants of the first mothers, pregnant African slaves thrown overboard by slavers. Yetu remembers so others don't have to, dave for once a year during the Remembering. At this time she shares these memories with everyone for three days. These memories are too much for sensitive Yetu. She feels them too deeply and becomes lost. In an attempt to save herself she abandons her people. She learns who she is and that history and connection are essential for survival.
This is a story about Yetu, the historian for the wajinru. She holds the memories of every ancestor so that the rest don't have to. The wajinru are the descendants of the first mothers, pregnant African slaves thrown overboard by slavers. Yetu remembers so others don't have to, dave for once a year during the Remembering. At this time she shares these memories with everyone for three days. These memories are too much for sensitive Yetu. She feels them too deeply and becomes lost. In an attempt to save herself she abandons her people. She learns who she is and that history and connection are essential for survival.