Sing, Unburied, Sing

by Jesmyn Ward
Sing, Unburied, Sing cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 729
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9786024021719
  • Publisher: Mizan Qanita
  • Published: 2020-03-19
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Sing, Unburied, Sing,' 13-year-old Jojo is forced to grow up too soon, taking on the role of caregiver for his baby sister while his father is in prison and his mother struggles with addiction. Haunted by the ghost of his uncle, Given, who was a victim of racism, Jojo is drawn into a supernatural journey to help his uncle's spirit find peace. The story takes a dramatic turn when Jojo's mother decides to take the children on a long trip to pick up their father from prison, a journey fraught with hunger, danger, and the persistent presence of Given's ghost. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the enduring impact of the past, all told with a unique and emotionally rich writing style that has garnered critical acclaim.

Reviews
The White Review · 2025-09-19
haunting 4.00

The present is depicted as suffocating due to a violent and unjust past, making the story a haunting horror tale. The book's depth and emotional weight leave a lasting impression.

The White Review describes 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' as a story where the present is so deeply entangled with a violent past that it feels suffocating. They see it as a horror story in the sense that it confronts the reader with the inescapable injustices of history. The reviewer is struck by the emotional weight and depth of the narrative, which leaves a profound impact.

Quick quotes

    A story about a present so steeped in a violent, unjust past, it's suffocating everyone and everything it touches.

    At heart, a horror story.

    The depth and emotional weight leave a lasting impression.

The Bookish Bulletin · 2017-12-23
evocative 4.50

The book is an intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle. It examines the ugly truths at the heart of the American story.

The reviewer praises the book for its intimate portrayal of a family and its epic tale of hope and struggle. They find it thought-provoking and evocative, highlighting its examination of the harsh realities of the American story. The book's ability to blend personal narratives with broader societal issues makes it a compelling and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    An intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle.

    Sing, Unburied, Sing examines the ugly truths at the heart of the American story.

    It is a thought-provoking and evocative page-turner.

Simone and Her Books · Simone · 2017-11-27
beautiful 4.75

The writing is extraordinary, with each chapter filled with beautiful quotes that reveal the characters' personalities and struggles. The narrative is both gripping and raw.

Simone from Simone and Her Books praises the extraordinary writing in 'Sing, Unburied, Sing', noting that each chapter is filled with pearls of beautiful quotes that bring the characters to life. They appreciate how the narrative is both gripping and raw, effectively conveying the struggles of the characters. The reviewer finds the book to be a deeply moving and beautifully crafted work.

Quick quotes

    It was extraordinary writing.

    Each chapter had pearls of beautiful quotes that displayed each character's personality and also their struggle.

    It follows 13-year-old JoJo and his perceptive toddler sister Kayla with a gripping and raw narrative.

The Guardian · 2017-11-24
powerful 4.50

The book is a fierce critique of US history and a powerful exploration of a family blighted by drugs and prison. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and beautifully crafted.

The Guardian's review paints 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' as a stark critique of the American historical and social landscape, particularly the impact of systemic issues like drugs and incarceration on families. They highlight how Ward's writing is both poetic and unflinchingly honest, making the family's struggles deeply resonant. The reviewer appreciates the way the book intertwines past and present, creating a haunting and unforgettable experience.

Quick quotes

    A fierce critique of US history.

    A powerful exploration of a family blighted by drugs and prison.

    A stark and heart-wrenching narrative that is beautifully crafted.

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