Why read Praisesong for the Widow?

Book cover of Praisesong for the Widow

Book description

From the acclaimed author of Daughters and Brown Girl, Brownstones comes a "work of exceptional wisdom, maturity, and generosity, one in which the palpable humanity of its characters transcends any considerations of race or sex"(Washington Post Book World).

Avey Johnson-a black, middle-aged, middle-class widow given to hats, gloves, and pearls-has…

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Literary fiction

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Why read it?

1 author picked Praisesong for the Widow as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jerome A. Miller

Author

A cruise ship is, perhaps, the least likely of all possible venues for the beginning of a spiritual breakthrough. But this is where spiritual transformation starts for Avey Johnson, the 64-year-old African American woman who is the central character in this Marshall novel. Breakthroughs are often set in motion deep down inside us, below the surface of our ordinary awareness. In fact, a real breakthrough can’t happen unless it goes all the way down in us. I know of no book that conveys this truth more effectively.

From Jerome's list on spiritual breakthrough.