The Salt Roads

by Nalo Hopkinson
The Salt Roads cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Fantasy
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  • ID: 5942
  • Added: 2025-10-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9781504001168
  • Publisher: Open Road Media
  • Published: 2015-01-27
  • Reviews: 3

The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson is a captivating tale that intertwines the lives of three women—Mer, Jeanne, and Meritet—across different time periods and geographical locations. Through unapologetically sensual prose, Hopkinson explores themes of slavery, desire, and resilience, as the Afro-Caribbean goddess Ezili inhabits each woman, guiding them through their struggles. The novel seamlessly blends fantasy with historical fiction, offering a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of human experiences and the power of divine intervention./n/nThe narrative spans from 1804 Saint Domingue to 1880s Paris and ancient Alexandria, showcasing the author's ability to merge myth with reality. Hopkinson's work is praised for its electrifying storytelling and its deep exploration of women's histories and the complexities of their lives. The Salt Roads is not just a story of three women but a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fight against oppression and seek freedom.

Reviews
SFF Book Review · 2020-07-27
enjoyable 4.00

The book is enjoyable and grows on the reader, though the plot is not immediately clear. It is praised for its unique perspective and historical storytelling.

The reviewer found the book enjoyable from the start, but it grew on them more and more as they read. They note that for a long time, they couldn't have told you what the actual plot is, which speaks to the book's unique structure and storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the historical perspective and the way the book tells the story through the eyes of women of color. They also note that the book is more about the journey and the characters than a traditional plot, which makes it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    This book was enjoyable from the beginning, but it grew on me more and more.

    For a long time, I couldn't have told you what the actual plot is ...

    It's a unique and compelling way to tell a story.

Alpennia · 2017-10-11
beautiful 4.50

The novel is a beautiful, brutal, and ambiguous exploration of the lives of three women of the African diaspora. It is praised for its lyrical prose and historical depth.

The book is celebrated for its rich, lyrical prose and its unflinching look at the lives of its protagonists. The reviewer highlights the novel's beauty and its brutal honesty, noting how it weaves together the stories of these women in a way that is both powerful and ambiguous. They appreciate the historical depth and the way the novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the African diaspora. The reviewer also notes the novel's crystalline quality, which makes it both compelling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Salt Roads is a beautiful, brutal, crystalline and ambiguous novel tracing the lives of three women of the African diaspora and one ...

    It's written with a lyrical prose that captures the essence of each character's journey.

    The novel is a powerful exploration of identity and resilience.

Fantasy Literature · 2016-06-08
epic 4.75

The novel is epic, wrenching, and passionate, with graceful, lyrical prose. It is a one-of-a-kind novel that spans time and place.

The reviewer describes the novel as epic, wrenching, and passionate, praising its graceful, lyrical prose. They note that Hopkinson has crafted a one-of-a-kind novel that spans time and place, making it a unique and compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the historical depth and the way the novel explores the lives of its characters. They also note the emotional impact of the story, which makes it a memorable and powerful read. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to transport the reader to different times and places, making it a truly immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    Epic, wrenching, and passionate, The Salt Roads is laced with graceful, lyrical prose.

    Hopkinson has crafted a one-of-a-kind novel that spans time and place.

    It's a moving recreation and celebration of black women's voices and spaces.

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