What the River Washed Away

by Muriel Mharie Macleod

A missing child, a buried tin of coins, and a terrible secret — these lie at the heart of Muriel Macleod’s powerful first novel set deep in the back country of early-20th-century Louisiana, where lawlessness still reigns and the voodoo curses and charms of the old ways hold sway. Here eight-year-old Arletta lives with her family in an isolated shack in the woods. Sometimes she sees the white men walking down the track toward her home and knows to hide. But sometimes she sees them too late, until one day she finds the strength to fight back with ferocity. The men don’t return. But when years later she hears that another girl has been attacked, and past meets present, Arletta is compelled to act, plotting a revenge that will leave its mark on history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Muriel Mharie Macleod was born and brought up in the Western Isles of Scotland. She graduated in Fine Art and is a distinguished artist and animation film producer. For nine years she was Director of the British Fulbright Scholars Association, and for twenty years illustrated articles for the Scottish edition of the Times Educational Supplement. She lived in the Caribbean for many years, where much of her inspiration comes from, and now lives in London, England. What the River Washed Away is her first novel.

Reviews

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in awhile I read a book that makes me want to hug it close to my heart and cherish it. I've read some page turners (i.e. anything by Paul Cleave) and I have read some 'really good books', especially lately. It takes a certain kind of book to feel like it has endeared itself to me.

It took me a few chapters to pick up the 1920's Louisiana dialect, but once I got into it, I almost didn't recognize it. And perhaps it is the very similar cover, but my brain wanted to draw parallels to The Darkest Child-- a mother who was known to be loose and considered a 'disappointment' of sorts by one or both parents, a child pretty much raising herself who wants to go to school and learn-- and does very well at it. There's also a similarity in the use of witchcraft. Tangy Mae's grandmother used witchcraft and Arletta's mother is a like a witch doctor, who uses herbs and plants, among other things to cast spells and draw spirits.

The story picks up for me when Mambo forces Arletta to move out at 14 and strike out on her own. With her best friend Safi, they settle in a nearby town and get jobs at the mill. I'm impressed with young Arletta and how she's able to secure a nice place to live and become close with the landlady. It seems like things really fall into place for her, specifically whens he seeks out a new job and much later when she expresses her desire to work in Africa.

Several dark themes wind through this novel, which-- maybe I am morbid- made it a page turner for me. Since she was a child, Arletta has endured a frightening recurring event. I was particularly moved by the scene in which she goes down to the river, intending to down herself but is encouraged to find her strength and press on. It is this 'voice' that she hears that becomes her constant companion and her strength when she feels she has none.

There's so much to this story, most of which I can't get to in this review. I want people to read it for themselves, get lost in it, engrossed it, laugh and cry and cheer for the revenge plot, because it is delicious!

This was an intense story, beautifully told.

[Sue Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book! Writing in the language of the South from the 1920's brought this book to life and embellished the characters. The main character, Arletta, grew into a very strong woman despite the early trauma and terrible circumstances in her life. Her coping mechanism was an inner voice, Nellie, that kept her not only sane, but encouraged her to believe she could bear the burdens she was facing.

I experienced a range of emotions while reading this book - from anger, to sadness, to concern, and eventually to feeling proud of Arletta and how she overcame the pitfalls in her life. I highly recommend this stunning book, and it's amazing that it is Muriel Macleod's first novel. She should write many, many more!

[Anjali (bookstersisters) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Arletta, a black woman from the early 20th century who was abused as a child. This was a heart breaking story with all the right elements to make it a first class book but somehow failed to do it.
It had mystery, an emotional element, revenge,friendship,underdog-wins element,an element of the supernatural etc. But the author failed to deliver a good book despite having a strong story because of the way it was written. The timeline of the novel was the most confusing part. The ending of one scene and the beginning of the next are so abrupt you feel disoriented at places. Also the story dragged a bit towards the middle of the book.
So for these reasons I am giving this book three stars. If the writing had been better it would have been a 5 stars book for sure

[tinabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Muriel Mharie Macleod has a voodoo power all of her own – she knows the secret to writing immortal characters that stay with readers long after they finished her book, and how to tug on their heartstrings, as well as their tear ducts. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but one that I could not put down. One of the most powerful novels I have ever read.

For readers of Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly this was written by a white women from Scotland, which blows me away.
Very difficult to be able to write with a a southern dialogue and tone that puts the reader
Down by the Bayou in the early 20th century. Arletta is a young very poor gal who
lives with her Mambo in a shack in Louisiana. Her Papa ( grandad)
has pass and all she has is a few remaining items and a love of learning.
A heart rendering story.

[Cristal Hougham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a 'first-reads' giveaway.

This was such an intense read, I felt the emotions of the main character in this. When she was sick and nauseated with the things that had happened to her I was right there with her. It was very well written. Beautiful story.

[Toast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won it in a GR giveaway.
It is an astonishing tale with real emotional punch. It took twists and turns that were unexpected yet eventually inevitable. The dialogue was powerful dialect, yet readable, forceful, a real flavour of the South not a pastiche. Glad I read it.

[Elizabeth Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly heartbreaking yet inspirational story.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this novel is setting up the story. It's not slow by any means but it doesn't hint at what is going to happen. The rest of the novel has several turns that I did not see coming. The character of Arletta is well developed and while she did not have it easy in life, especially her childhood, I loved that she had a good ending and that there are people whom she could trust. There are sad and horrific events in Arletta's life but she moves forward and does her best to help those she loves.

Memorable quote:

Chapter 5: One minute that Bible say turn the other cheek, next it say an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Old ways say an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth all the time. Old ways are fearless ways. We learn from the time we small there ain't no other way but meeting fear straight head-on. Do what we gotta do to get the upper hand on it and a lot of folks don't like that way of thinking. Especially all them white folks round these parts. They want all of us full of fear, fear of God, fear of white folk, fear of lynching. Fear of any darned thing. Just as long as we're all feared up.

[Babus Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight year old Arletta, has just lost her beloved Pappy, her mother is a Mambo and doesn't have time for her daughter and to make matters worse she is failing to avoid two predatory paedophiles who are hurting her. Set in the early twentieth century, this story of a little girl's struggle, resilience, survival and sacrifice is inspiring and powerful. Marietta, faced with much adversity sees her life change but at what cost?

With the old ways of the old country coming acutely at odds with the church and Christianity, Arletta tries to hold on to the values her Pappy taught her whilst navigating the perilous terrain of her life. Dealing with difficult themes from the outset this story did mesmerise and captivate. Won over totally by Arletta, I couldn't help rooting for her and reading her inspiring story. Although the book deals with difficult issues it felt positive by the time I had finished it.

A powerful read, well researched with strong female characters that really won my heart.

[Veena Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale told very well. The book has you wanting to know the fate of the young girl, feeling happy for her when she is able to overcome her problems, sad for her when she yearns for her mother's attention but is ignored by her and finally when things start looking up for her. She achieves what she wants but for a price but which she accepts and carries on. The language takes some getting used to but makes it more authentic.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tragic but beautiful story. This was one of my drive-by books .....random pick at the library. To experience this young girl’s journey and witness her progression, even in speech, was amazing. But no child should endure what she did. To imagine it may have actually happened! She was a heroine. Loved it.

[Lynda Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the language of the South, it could be a difficult read at times. The timeline of the novel was the most confusing part. The ending of one scene and the beginning of the next are so abrupt you feel disoriented at places. Also the story dragged a bit towards the middle of the book. Still worth a read as a very emotional book.

[Kandise Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story line was AWESOME, but the dialect and the presentation was a little off. Lots of questions are left unanswered and at times the story jumps so much its hard to follow. Overall great synopsis but could have been better presented.

[Shannon Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Thought provoking about the time period and the use of regional Mambo as caretakers and record keepers for their people. Love and sacrifice are the major themes throughout, coupled with the mighty strength of woman who has been through too much.

[Ebony Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book👏🏽

There so many things about this book that made me love reading it. From the location(which is not far from where I live) to the time setting and the use of French language. This was definitely a great read.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The beginning was slow going and tough to read. But by the end of the book I was really hooked.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me.

[Teressa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a decent story told poorly. More than anything, it suffered from a clear lack of judicious editing. Whole pages and parts of the main character's story are repeated for no clear purpose other than to wallow in the sensational tidbits. I enjoyed Mambo's character even more than Arletta, but I was still frustrated because I wanted more. Perhaps the book's structure might have benefited from two first- person narrators. I love the concept, but it is clumsy and awkward the way deux ex machinas are used to wrap up the sub-plots. Finally, the most irritating part of this book is Arletta's accent. Throughout the entire narrative. The authors own voice interweaves with attempt to capture that dialect. This has the unfortunate effect of reminding the reader that the Scottish author isnt exactly writing from her own experiences. At best, it is patronizing and at worst, racist, but let's not go there. Bottom line: This is the author's first published, and it shows. Wait for the film, or save your money. I eyed this book eagerly for over a month, and I am sorely disappointed with it.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Louisiana in the 1900s, Arletta lives on the other side of the tracks with her Mambo. When her grandfather dies, 8 year old Arletta is left to fend for herself as her mother flits from one beau to another, or is called to help her people with her voodoo skills. Even at that age, Arletta knows that some footsteps heard crossing the tracks mean she has to run and hide, but sometimes she doesn't hear them until it's too late.

When the horrors of what she is forced to endure gets to be too much for her, she runs down to the creek and seeks solace from a spirit who gives her strength. One day she draws upon this strength to do what she must to stop the torture. While her life takes a turn for the positive, she turns her back on her voodoo heritage and walks down a different path for herself.

But when she hears of another child lying in hospital, perhaps at the hands of the same men who had violated her, the spirit who has always guided her, helps her face her fears and break her silence.

The characters are extremely well developed in this multifaceted and gritty story.

[Mona Grant-Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novel. What the River Washed Away is a story of love, family, friendship, forgiveness, secrets, redemption, and revenge. It was a different and compelling tale of Arletta Johnson, born in rural Louisiana. Her mother was quite young, "runnin' wild", and a Mambo. Arletta spends most of her time with Pappy, her grandfather. He teaches her to read and write, recognizing her intelligence and inquiring mind. After Pappy dies, Arletta is often left on her own as her mother goes her own way. Things happen to Arletta while her mother is gone, but Arletta keeps her secret for years. Arletta's secret is finally revealed to help another. Once Arletta tells her secrets, a whirlwind is set in motion.

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very emotional story of a young girl, Arletta, in the early 1900s in Louisiana, US who experiences traumatic events and while her life is somewhat diminished, she lives to see a long future.

The author skillfully interweaves the story of her mother, Mambo, who is the community healer, and Pappy, her deceased grandfather along with her eventual best friend Safi and the lives they live despite obstacles.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eight year old girl is brutalized -- raped repeatedly by two older men of privilege. This is a hard book to read because of the brutality and neglect Arletta experiences, but she is a survivor and makes a life for herself. I highly recommend it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a while to get into, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Arletta was a brilliant character & it was both horrible yet interesting to read how bad things really used to be even at the start of the last century in the southern states of the US.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and characterization is definitely four star--but I had to rate it three because it really is a painful and sad storyline (though the ending is happy). My only complaint about the book is the typeface. The paperback version I read had tiny print--very hard on the eyes!

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled on book in library and so glad I did. Intense subject matter and very well written. Characters stayed with me long after I read the book. I too was amazed this book was written by a white person. Great novel!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly don't know what to write about this book other than I couldn't put it down.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novel about the hardships of life in the South in the early 1900's. The voice of sweet, innocent, Arletta will stay with me for a long time.

[Tamara Springer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An empowering story about a young black girl in the South, but needed a good editor.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously told with characters who become people you know and care about. A can't put down wonderful first novel!