I was excited to read Good Dirt, having been so moved by Charmaine Wilkerson’s Black Cake. This novel explores the layered complexities of memory, grief, and family through a reflective, multi-timeline structure. As an ARC, it’s clear this story has heart and vision, though the execution still feels in progress.

Ebby is a compelling protagonist, and Wilkerson writes her with real emotional texture. Her bond with Avery brought warmth and surprise to the story, while Henry Pepper, though frustrating at times, is written with nuance. These character dynamics are where the novel truly shines.

The shifting timelines offer a rich view of how the past shapes the present, but the transitions sometimes felt jarring. I occasionally lost the thread just as I was getting into a scene. Still, the payoff in the final chapters is strong—the ending gave me chills and almost had me in tears. It came so close to reaching the emotional power of Black Cake, and I could feel echoes of Wilkerson’s lyrical storytelling throughout.

I’m hopeful that the final edition will smooth over some of the clarity and pacing issues. This ARC suggests a deeply moving book is just beneath the surface.

3.75 ⭐️ 
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.