Land of Love and Drowning

by Tiphanie Yanique
Land of Love and Drowning cover
Good Books rating 4.47
Magical Realism
Technical:
  • ID: 1305
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9780698168800
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2014-07-10
  • Reviews: 3

In the early 1900s, the Virgin Islands transition from Danish to American rule, setting the stage for a captivating tale of three generations of the Bradshaw family. Orphaned by a shipwreck, two sisters and their half brother must navigate their new identities and the magical gifts that will shape their futures. The novel weaves a rich tapestry of love, curses, and triumphs, evoking the vibrant culture and rhythms of the Caribbean. /n/nWith echoes of Toni Morrison and Gabriel García Márquez, the story is told in a lyrical prose that brings to life the unique world of Saint Thomas. From the 1910s to the 1970s, the Bradshaws face the challenges of a changing world, their lives intertwined with the magic and history of their island home.

Reviews
While Reading and Walking · 2025-10-04
poignant 4.70

The novel is a searing and beautiful story of the Virgin Islands, offering a generational tale of heritage and American influence. The lyrical prose makes it a memorable read.

This review emphasizes the novel's lyrical and searing narrative, which beautifully captures the heritage and history of the Virgin Islands. The reviewer is moved by the generational tale, which explores the complex interplay between personal stories and broader historical contexts. They appreciate the author's ability to convey the beauty and pain of the islands' past, making the book a poignant and memorable read. The reviewer finds the prose to be particularly striking, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The novel is seen as a significant work that sheds light on often overlooked aspects of history and culture.

Quick quotes

    This novel is a searing, lyrical, and beautiful story of the Virgin Islands.

    A generational tale of their heritage and of the ways that America's ownership and influence have shaped the islands.

    The lyrical prose makes it a memorable and poignant read.

Little Red Reviewer · 2015-03-13
compelling 4.20

The book is a rich tapestry of mythology and family drama, with layers that reveal deeper themes upon closer inspection. The writing style is both unique and captivating.

The reviewer describes this novel as a cross-hatching of mythology and consequence, presenting a family drama on the surface but revealing deeper layers of complexity. They are impressed by the author's ability to intertwine mythological elements with the everyday lives of the characters, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the unique writing style, which adds a magical quality to the story. The novel is seen as a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that stays with the reader long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    A cross hatching of mythology and consequence, Land of Love and Drowning is a family drama on the surface.

    Scratch away just a few layers and you find a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the impact of historical events.

    The writing style is unique and captivating, adding a magical quality to the story.

The Common · 2014-10-13
enchanting 4.50

The novel is a stunning blend of magical realism and historical fiction, with a unique voice that stands out. It weaves together the personal and political in a way that feels both intimate and epic.

This review highlights how the book masterfully combines magical realism with the rich history of the Virgin Islands. The reviewer is captivated by the author's ability to create a world that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in reality. They appreciate the intricate family saga and the way it explores themes of identity, colonialism, and the supernatural. The prose is praised for its lyrical quality, making the reading experience immersive and unforgettable. The reviewer finds the novel to be a significant contribution to contemporary literature, drawing comparisons to the works of Gabriel García Márquez but carving out its own distinct identity.

Quick quotes

    Tiphanie Yanique's debut novel Land of Love and Drowning is a magical realist work that calls to mind García Márquez, yet still manages to stake out new territory.

    The novel weaves together the personal and political in a way that feels both intimate and epic.

    Yanique's prose is lyrical and enchanting, drawing the reader into a world that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in reality.

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