This is a gorgeous debut and I look forward to seeing more of what Atakora writes in the future.

Focusing on two African American women, Rue and May Belle, during the Civil War and in the turbulent times just following the North's victory, Conjure Women is at its heart a celebration of women's work and women's roles in society. May Belle and Rue are healers for their community, particularly helping the women of the plantation to give birth to their babies. But while May Belle was largely celebrated for her talents, Rue falls under suspicion when she helps to deliver a baby with scaly, light skin and jet black eyes. The novel explores intersections of magic, faith, and healing through the community's reaction to baby Bean. Race is of course another element of this book, especially in Rue's relationship with the slave master's daughter, Varina.

I loved the character development in this book, particularly when it came to Rue and her relationships with the other members of the former plantation. While some events of the book are far-fetched and magical, the characters' reactions felt real. In addition, the plot itself was engaging and kept me guessing with the mystery elements that had been added in. I appreciate the interweaving of African and African American folklore throughout the story as well. There are certainly parts that were difficult to read, but any story that has slavery as an element is going to have those moments if it is being truthful to the horrors of that period.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It reminded me a lot of The Revisioners, which I read earlier this year, both in setting and in themes. Yet this book succeeded in ways that The Revisioners did not for me, and for that I was grateful.

TW: miscarriage; child lost during birth; racial slurs; racism; violence

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.