My book review of Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson.
Title: Good Dirt
By: Charmaine Wilkerson
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 368
Release Date: January 28th, 2025
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
The daughter of an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom in this moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake, a Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
When ten-year-old Ebby Freeman heard the gunshot, time stopped. And when she saw her brother, Baz, lying on the floor surrounded by the shattered pieces of a centuries-old jar, life as Ebby knew it shattered as well.
The crime was never solved—and because the Freemans were one of the only Black families in a particularly well-to-do enclave of New England—the case has had an enduring, voyeuristic pull for the public. The last thing the Freemans want is another media frenzy splashing their family across the papers, but when Ebby's high profile romance falls apart without any explanation, that's exactly what they get.
So Ebby flees to France, only for her past to follow her there. And as she tries to process what's happened, she begins to think about the other loss her family suffered on that day eighteen years ago—the stoneware jar that had been in their family for generations, brought North by an enslaved ancestor. But little does she know that the handcrafted piece of pottery held more than just her family's history—it might also hold the key to unlocking her own future.
In this sweeping, evocative novel, Charmaine Wilkerson brings to life a multi-generational epic that examines how the past informs our present.
Review:
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson is a beautifully layered exploration of family, heritage, and the power of untold stories. The novel dives deep into the lives of its characters, uncovering the hidden connections and histories that bind them. Wilkerson’s writing is lush and evocative, drawing readers into a narrative that seamlessly weaves between past and present, allowing the characters’ stories to unfold at a gentle, steady pace. The way she captures the complexities of family relationships and the weight of legacy is masterful, making the book feel both intimate and universal.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to handle themes of cultural identity, generational trauma, and resilience without feeling heavy-handed. Each character is meticulously crafted, their struggles and triumphs resonating long after the story ends. While the pacing can be slow at times, the depth of emotion and rich storytelling make it worth savoring. Good Dirt isn’t just about the past; it’s about how the past shapes who we are, how we grow, and what we choose to pass on. Fans of character-driven, introspective narratives will find much to love in this thoughtful, poignant novel that leaves you reflecting on the stories buried beneath the surface of our lives.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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