The Book of Night Women - Marlon James

The Book of Night Women

By Marlon James

  • Release Date: 2009-02-19
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 234 Ratings

Description

From the author of the National Book Award finalist Black Leopard, Red Wolf and the WINNER of the 2015 Man Booker Prize for A Brief History of Seven Killings

"An undeniable success.” — The New York Times Book Review

A true triumph of voice and storytelling, The Book of Night Women rings with both profound authenticity and a distinctly contemporary energy. It is the story of Lilith, born into slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation at the end of the eighteenth century. Even at her birth, the slave women around her recognize a dark power that they- and she-will come to both revere and fear. The Night Women, as they call themselves, have long been plotting a slave revolt, and as Lilith comes of age they see her as the key to their plans. But when she begins to understand her own feelings, desires, and identity, Lilith starts to push at the edges of what is imaginable for the life of a slave woman, and risks becoming the conspiracy's weak link. But the real revelation of the book-the secret to the stirring imagery and insistent prose-is Marlon James himself, a young writer at once breath­takingly daring and wholly in command of his craft.

Reviews

  • The a book of Night Women

    5
    By Can't navigate
    I loved this book. It was hard to put down, enlightening beyond my imagination. I highly recommend it.
  • Honoring the female slave

    3
    By Bookworm7755
    The Book of Night Women is a look at the consequences of slavery. Both to the enslaved and the planters. The cost is heavy. Marlon James is best known for his provocative writing and nuanced characters. This one is no different. His aim is to honor the female slaves in Jamaica. And he does honor their voice which has been so often overlooked.
  • Wow

    5
    By Alydiva
    This story will stay with me for the rest of my life.
  • The book of night woman

    5
    By ida sesay
    This was a great book . Listen to the audio book . Very evil , painful , loving and more .
  • Greater understanding

    4
    By Mahoghani23
    This book deals with the misery of slavery and how they dealt with all the pain, worries, trials and all tribulation. I didn't want o read this book at first because I know it would bring up a lot of hurtful things about my race but I'm glad I finally read it. It's enlightening and well written.
  • Interesting

    4
    By Pantha Says
    Let me first start by saying I don't read books on slavery (fiction or non fiction). The intro is what caught me and I continued. I loved the main character and hated her. I cried when she wouldn't and screamed when she couldn't. I can't wait to sit with others and discuss this book.
  • Can't put it down

    5
    By ChloeeeSkelly!
    This book captures your attention and I could not put it down. There is no question it is a disturbing story but one that I feel needs to be told.
  • Ms

    5
    By Tristyboo
    A very moving and interesting story.
  • Ranks with "Beloved"

    5
    By Ray Winbush
    It is rare that accurate depictions of enslavement are told from the point of view of the enslaved. Like Toni Morrison's "Beloved", James depiction of enslavement on a Jamaican plantation is moving, brutal and extraordinary. It forces the reader to view its heinous crime as the subject rather than object of the crime This narrative ranks among the best narratives of the greatest crime against humanity of the past 1000 years --- the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Read it then pass it on for others to read.