Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Sing, Unburied, Sing

Jesmyn Ward

Sad, brutal, tragic, poetic, demanding. Told in separate chapters by members of a black and mixed race Mississippi family; some of whom are ghosts (the 'Unburied' of the title). Whilst it can be read as a history of Southern black suppression, it is much, much more. The relationship of Jojo and his little sister Kayla brings some light relief. Seldom in literature have I encountered such realistic children. A worthy prizewinner and a must read

Extract
I should sooth Kayla, should tell her to run back to Misty to get down and let me go, but I can't speak. The bird crawling up into my throat, wings spasming. What if he shoot her? I think. What if he shoot both of us?... Kayla's brown arms and that gun, black as rot, as pregnant with dread.
Parallels
  • Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
  • Mississippi Burning - the film