Ward takes the reader on a suffering quest to freedom via loneliness. I adore how the author refuses to romanticize the horrors of slavery & racism. This title forces the audience to visualize & experience the daily toils & relentless oppression of slavery. Despite losing everything & everyone she loves, Annis selects to love herself enough to not only survive, but to thrive inspite of all the obstacles against her. Snatching happiness on her own terms & going with her heart is what enables Annis to finally be at peace & free.

*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was beautiful and creative and painful to read, but it was also way more literary than I usually read. It felt like mostly an opportunity to use pretty words than to actually tell a story, which is why it took me so long to finish. I’m not a person who reads for the “art”—I need plot and good characters, which this had, but it wasn’t the priority of the book.

Like other books by this tremendously talented author, this book will take you on an emotional journey that will leave you feeling raw. But, it is an amazing piece of literature full of lyrical prose that will haunt your mind long after you finish reading.

A masterpiece!

I am a fan of Jesmyn Ward's writing and the research that went into this story. After finding out that there were only two historic markers for slave markets in New Orleans, one of which in the wrong spot, she began writing this book. It follows the story of Annis, an enslaved young woman/girl who is the daughter of an enslaved mother and a plantation owner, on her journey as she is sold south.This novel depicts the horrors of slavery and how it can be a special type of hell on earth, nodding to Dante's Inferno. I especially liked the emphasis on Black women characters and the ways in which they endured and protected each other. I also liked how Ward depicted the ancestral memories being passed from generation to generation. I struggled a bit with it, however, because the plot moved a little slowly for me.

Jesmyn Ward's latest novel, Let Us Descend, is a masterfully woven tapestry of historical fiction, magical realism, and profound emotional depth. Set in the years leading up to the Civil War, the story takes us on a harrowing journey through the life of an enslaved girl named Flora, from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the brutal sugar plantations of Louisiana.

Ward's prose is both lyrical and unflinching, drawing readers into the heart of Flora's world with vivid imagery and raw honesty. We witness the horrors of slavery firsthand, the degradation, the physical and emotional abuse, and the constant struggle for survival. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are moments of beauty, of love, and of resilience that shine through with even greater intensity.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its exploration of the complex relationship between Flora and the supernatural world. She possesses a unique ability to communicate with spirits, both those of her ancestors and those trapped within the land itself. This mystical element adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story, reflecting the deep-seated spiritual beliefs of many enslaved people during that time.

Let Us Descend is not merely a historical novel; it is a powerful indictment of racial injustice and a poignant examination of the enduring legacy of slavery. Ward challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of our nation's past and to consider the ongoing impact of racism in our society today.

Here are some of the novel's key strengths:

Compelling narrative: The story is gripping and suspenseful, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end.
Vivid characters: Flora is a complex and unforgettable protagonist, and the supporting cast is equally well-developed and nuanced.
Lyrical prose: Ward's writing is both beautiful and powerful, immersing the reader in the world of the story.
Historical accuracy: The novel is meticulously researched and provides a realistic portrayal of slavery in the antebellum South.
Exploration of the supernatural: The inclusion of magical realist elements adds an intriguing dimension to the story.
Themes of resilience and hope: Despite the darkness of the subject matter, the novel ultimately celebrates the human spirit and the power of love and hope.
Let Us Descend is a captivating and unforgettable novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, African American literature, or simply a good story.

Here are some additional thoughts and considerations:

The novel may be emotionally challenging for some readers due to its graphic depiction of violence and cruelty.
The inclusion of magical realist elements may not appeal to all readers.
The novel is relatively long, but the pacing is excellent, and the story is never dull.
Overall, Let Us Descend is a stunning achievement and a testament to Jesmyn Ward's talent as a storyteller. It is a powerful and important novel that deserves to be widely read and discussed.

I've read and enjoyed Jesmyn Ward's two previous novels, so I was looking forward to her first foray into historical fiction. And "Let Us Descend" documented the brutal horror of slavery in a more painful and visceral way than any book, history or historical fiction, that I've ever read. Not long after her mother is sold south from the plantation where they are both enslaved, Annis herself is sold and we walk with her every grueling step of the way from Virginia to New Orleans, with Ward using the framing mechanism of Dante's Inferno to describe Annis's descent into the hell of the deep South. This journey covers about a third of the novel and it is excruciating reading, as Ward vividly describes the pain, hunger and fear that Annis and her fellow slaves endure--the river crossings in particular were almost unbearable to read. That having been said, there is a much stronger element of magical realism in "Let Us Descend" than in Ward's previous novels, and the very frequent forays into pages and pages of descriptions of Annis's interactions with a spirit called Aza really bogged me down. Fans of magical realism will probably feel Aza's presence enhances the book, but I don't enjoy magical realism at all and, as such, struggled with this one. Readers should gauge their own tolerance for magical realism and proceed accordingly.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Scribner for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward is a deeply moving and insightful book that powerfully depicts the realities of slavery. As a Black woman, I was particularly touched by Ward's honest portrayal of both the physical and emotional traumas endured by enslaved individuals. Her vivid storytelling brings these horrors to life, making history feel immediate and real.

Ward’s unflinching narrative captures the ugliness of slavery but also highlights the resilience of those who suffered. The characters are richly drawn, their stories both tragic and inspiring, reminding us of the strength of our ancestors.

This book is a significant read for understanding the true impact of slavery. It's a heartrending reminder of our past and a testament to the enduring human spirit. I highly recommend Let Us Descend for its emotional depth and historical importance.

Ward is such a visceral writer- the premise sounds simple and you can rest assured you are in someone brilliant's hands. She takes you on a journey that you didn't realize you needed to be on- my heart was with these characters from the very first page. I found it to be poetic and heart-wrenching- it's definitely a new angle on a piece of American history we wish we didnt have to be familiar with.

This morning, since daybreak, it’s been very foggy, which I really don’t expect in 32 degree weather, but I couldn’t resist using it as my backdrop for my review of #LetusDescend by @jesmynward. I felt it was the perfect backdrop as fog always has felt ethereal to me, and that is a word that has been used (with perfection) to describe this book (by myself and many others)….
I had intended to finish this while awaiting my results in the ER but I was too distracted and worried about something that wound up being nothing (thankfully - just an oddly placed swollen lymph node) and it brought me to finishing the last 60 pages today. (Side bar: Thank you SO much for all of this community’s checking in with me on that post; I really felt the love and concern & appreciate that so much…. )
@scribnerbooks thank you for providing me early access to read this; I decided to finish reading it as my #BOTM had it as a selection!
I really enjoyed this book, especially finishing it so soon after my reading of the poetry collection #EveryLivingDay because this book is swimming with prose that is poetic, I don’t know if this was considered as written in verse, but it feeeeeeels that way all throughout. Beautiful phrases bringing a clarity of feeling in a really clever way that makes you feel the walk, makes you down in that earthen pit, makes you feel your way up the slippery side, digging for survival. It’s brutal context yet the words are subtle and beautiful and meaningful and give again - feeeling of being inside Anis’s mind and body.
The ending I am so grateful for because I was sitting on anxiety for the last 35 or so pages. I loved that in the end she realized that she DID that, she took back her power, even from the spirits … and owned herself and lived and fought for herself. I wish there could be a sequel as I’d love to meet her life on her own. But I think my dreams of where it would lead (to a lovely existence) might not be the reality and so I’m happy with where it landed; so very happy. In fact, I’m sort of starting to worry that it wasn’t real. Was that a dream or did that just happen? Now I’ll have to jump late into the book club’s dm discussion group to ask that!

I mean, Jesmyn Ward is one of the greatest writers in the contemporary American canon. She continues to bring poetry to the page with each book and this one sang. A heartbreaking song, but still. Emotional, visceral, and beautifully, devastatingly detailed.

"The first weapon I ever held was my mother's hand." Probably one of the best first lines I have ever read in a novel. Unfortunately, I found <u>Let Us Descend</u> to lack multi-dimensional and intriguing characters, as well as a plot entirely. Annis's character is built around her suffering the loss of other characters-characters who are introduced and then taken away a few pages later. I understand that a retelling of slavery is going to include pain and grief and suffering but that is the only plot to this book. I felt like there was no story being told and the magical realism also just didn't work because Annis doesn't choose to do much with it. (At least in the first half, because I just couldn't make it past the 50% mark after struggling through this book for weeks). I hate that this is my first Ward novel because I have heard she is an incredibly talented storyteller. No doubt her writing ability is evident throughout the course of this novel, the storytelling is what I personally feel lacked.

Gripping and despairing are the words that followed me through Annis’ story. I think we all need to be awakened or reminded of the horrors of slavery but I found Let Us Descend truly heartbreaking and moving at the same time. The spirits often confused me but the struggles faced by Annis’ and her connections to her mother and grandmother were so beautiful and I could feel the inner strength. Jesmyn Ward is an amazing insightful write. Thank you #NetGalley and #Scribner for the advanced copy of this book.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The writing in this book was beautiful, very poetic. Ward really paints a picture with words. I really felt like I could see this voyage and felt very strongly about Annis. The story was slow paced (I’m used to thrillers but love Ward) and the ending was abrupt, but it was a memorable read.

Once again, a truly searing and emotional read from Jesmyn Ward
The inhumane treatment of Annis, a slave, who is brutally and mercilessly bought and sold is made to travel to her new destination. The writing is brilliant and the imagery as well as the harshness remains with you long after you finish reading it. The spiritual enlightenment throughout the book add to the aura of regeneration throughout this work.

I think my timing was off with reading this one as her books usually pull me in and with this one it just felt off for me. It did still have her beautiful writing though which I always appreciate.

I did listen to the audio and felt that the narrator did a good job of bringing the character to life.

I’m a big fan of Ward’s writing. I first came to her work with Salvage the Bones and have since read all her other novels. I love her writing style and particularly the times when she incorporates the spiritual or supernatural into her work, such as in Sing, Unburied, Sing. So I’m sad to say I’m a bit of an outlier for Let Us Descend.

Let Us Descend is the story of Annis, a young enslaved girl who is sold by her enslaver (and father). She is marched from the Carolinas to New Orleans, where she is sold at a slave market into a situation even worse than she had been previously. As she walks, she turns to her inner strength, instilled by her mother, and reaches out to the old spirits to guide her.

It’s undeniable that Ward is an excellent writer and that this story meant a lot to her. The novel is full of grief and processing difficult feelings, which Ward herself was doing as she wrote (her partner passed away in early 2020). She does an excellent job portraying Annis and the struggles she went through.

The incorporation of the spirits, unfortunately, did not work for me. I could never quite get a handle on the “character” of the primary spirit Annis interacts with; they felt very vague and two-dimensional. I also felt the plot was a bit clunky, largely due to the incorporation of the spirits and the allusions to Dante’s Inferno that felt shoehorned into the story. I felt that it detracted from Annis as a character and the journey, both physical and emotional, that she goes on in this book.

I’m still a fan of Ward as a writer and even though this was a miss for me personally, I look forward to seeing what else she writes!

Jesmyn Ward can do no wrong! Full stop.

Let Us Descend is yet another insightful novel into the pain that has shaped American history. Perfectly balanced magical realism is a hallmark of Ward's writing, just the faintest trace of magic in a way that allows the seriousness of the content to be front and center. Set in the years before the civil war, we follow Annis, an enslaved girl, on a journey from the plantation where she was born to the deep south of New Orleans.

Ward's writing is so fluid and beautiful. It conjures up the most gorgeous imagery juxtaposed with the horrors of Annis' life. Now I'm just frustrated knowing it will be years before I can read another of Ward's works.

For fans of Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, The Water Dancer, and thoughtful historical fiction.

A genre bending historical fiction/magical realism- heartbreaking and intense. Beautifully written with powerful imagery.

📚 Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward 📚

Thanks netgalley and @scribnerbooks for the advance ebook.

I loved Ward's novels Salvage The Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing, so I was really excited for this one. I knew that it would be intense and emotional, like her previous books. I think I may be the one who changed since reading those other novels however, because I've started moving away from the books that I know are going to be so heartbreaking and painful. I think it's a combo of a lot of things going on in the world and my personal experience with loss changing. So, this is a very good book, but really intense and sad. I liked the earlier novels I read by her better, but like I said, that may be because I'm in a different place now, not because this book is any less good.

This is a little rambly, but I do recommend the book and there are sentences that are so beautiful you stop and re-read and ponder them a few times, something that I would always expect from Ward.

#LetUsDescend

I think Jesmyn Ward is one of the greatest writers of this generation, and perhaps any generation. Her sentences are beautiful, and she weaves together character details and histories seamlessly. Let Us Descend tells the brutal story of Anness, a slave who loses her mother and is then sold. It’s horrific and everything you might expect from a slave narrative, but in Ward’s skilled hands, there is lyricism and beauty amidst the terror.