This was a very interesting debut novel surrounding magical realism, family dynamics, mother-daughter relationships, ancestral history, PWI-vs-HBCU, being a black woman in America, belonging and finding purpose. I also feel it’s an exploration of what it means to be aware of the world yet lost in it at the same time.

In the novel we’re given a dual POV from two characters Zahra, a college prep coach and Sammie a young teen still finding herself as she’ll be heading off to college soon. They were introduced to each other by Sammie’s Uncle Trey who thought Zahra could assist with her college essay. Realizing they have things in common Zahra begins to assume the singing gypsy moths may have brought the two together. When she invites Sammie along with her to Atlanta in hopes of locating her missing brother Derrick a lot of family secrets and truths about both their past and futures are revealed.

I read this book while I was kind of in a reading slump so it seemed a bit elusive especially with the singing moths. Although confused I did still enjoy the authors symbolic use of the singing moths. As moths can symbolize change, transformation, endings, intuition, and psychic abilities. I do believe all of the characters went through some form of a transformation. I just don’t feel the magical realism was executed to the fullest with the gypsy moths but that could just be me.

Overall, the book was okay definitely has potential. I recommend if you’re into magical realism then it might be worth the read. If you’re not then approach this with an open mind and no expectations lol just read to enjoy it. It may leave you with a lot of unanswered questions but when dealing with this kind of writing style and story it’s expected.

Special thanks to the author, @tinyrepbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced readers copy‼️