Sing, Unburied, Sing

Sing, Unburied, Sing cover
Good Books rating 4.42

Technical:
  • ID: 729
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781501126062
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-09-05
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 3
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Sing, Unburied, Sing is a deeply moving and lyrical novel that explores the complex relationships within a family against the backdrop of Mississippi's troubled history. The story is narrated by multiple voices, including a young boy named JoJo, whose perspective offers a raw and unfiltered look at the world around him. The novel delves into themes of race, poverty, and the lingering effects of the past on the present, all while incorporating elements of the supernatural that blur the lines between reality and myth. Jesmyn Ward's prose is searing and profound, capturing the essence of the American South with a poetic intensity that lingers long after the final page. The novel's structure and narrative style create a haunting atmosphere, making it a standout work of contemporary literature. With its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, Sing, Unburied, Sing is a powerful exploration of family, identity, and the enduring impact of history.

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.

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.