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Daughter of Three Waters #1
Shallow Waters
“Spellbinding...A captivating debut.” — Harper’s Bazaar In this stirring and lyrical debut novel—perfect for fans of The Water Dancer and the Legacy of Orïsha series—the Yoruba deity of the sea, Yemaya, is brought to vivid life as she discovers the power of Black resilience, love, and feminine strength in antebellum America.Shallow Waters imagines Yemaya, an Orïsha —a deity in the religion of Africa’s Yoruba people—cast into mid-1800s America. We meet Yemaya as a young woman, still in the care of her mother and not yet fully aware of the spectacular power she possesses to protect herself and those she holds dear.The journey laid out in Shallow Waters sees Yemaya confront the greatest evils of this era; transcend time and place in search of Obatala, a man who sacrifices his own freedom for the chance at hers; and grow into the powerful woman she was destined to become. We travel alongside Yemaya from her native Africa and on to the “New World,” with vivid pictures of life for those left on the outskirts of power in the nascent Americas.Yemaya realizes the fighter within, travels the Underground Railroad in search of the mysterious stranger Obatala, and crosses paths with icons of our history on the road to freedom. Shallow Waters is a nourishing work of ritual storytelling from promising debut author Anita Kopacz.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
May 4, 2021
In short, this is an imagined story of Yemaya, the water goddess, pursuing the man (Obatala) she loves when he is captured in Africa and brought to America in chains to be sold into slavery. She, too, is captured and the book is essentially her pursuit to reunite with him. In her quest, she matures into womanhood and discovers her powers which are mistakenly referred to as witchcraft by some. Orphaned at a young age, Yemaya is largely clueless about her people, powers, or purpose (beyond searching for Obatala); however, her legendary status precedes her as it seems there is always someone she encounters who knows more about her than she does. During her journey North to freedom via the Underground Railroad, she meets several note-worthy historical figures - a woman named Moses (Harriet Tubman), a runaway slave named Frederick (Douglas), etc. but these encounters were too brief and added very little to the story outside of name-recognition.
Perhaps it was just me, but I was expecting much more based on the publisher’s description and recommendation for fans of The Water Dancer. This read like a young adult/middle-grade story where the protagonist seemingly surfs from one scene to the next in a series of neatly threaded coincidences (presented as “destiny” in the novel) leading to a fairly predictable (and protracted) ending. There is little breadth or depth to any of the characters. Granted, the story is notable and educational in that it introduces at a cursory level Yoruba folklore, the Quakers as abolitionists, and African American icons that share a touch of their principles/philosophies, and a key historical event that affected the Cherokee Nation.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to review this book.
Perhaps it was just me, but I was expecting much more based on the publisher’s description and recommendation for fans of The Water Dancer. This read like a young adult/middle-grade story where the protagonist seemingly surfs from one scene to the next in a series of neatly threaded coincidences (presented as “destiny” in the novel) leading to a fairly predictable (and protracted) ending. There is little breadth or depth to any of the characters. Granted, the story is notable and educational in that it introduces at a cursory level Yoruba folklore, the Quakers as abolitionists, and African American icons that share a touch of their principles/philosophies, and a key historical event that affected the Cherokee Nation.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to review this book.
September 13, 2021
Have you ever read a book that defies genres? Shallow Waters is absolutely that for me. It’s a lyrically-written mash-up of mythology, science fiction, historical fiction, with elements of fantasy.
About the book: ““Spellbinding...A captivating debut.” — Harper’s Bazaar
In this stirring and lyrical debut novel—perfect for fans of The Water Dancer and the Legacy of Orïsha series—the Yoruba deity of the sea, Yemaya, is brought to vivid life as she discovers the power of Black resilience, love, and feminine strength in antebellum America.”
I had to read Shallow Waters slowly to give time for this world to come together in my mind. I loved the cameos by historical figures like Harriet Tubman and learning more about Yemaya and Yoruba culture. Shallow Waters has a touch of young adult feel in that the writing is approachable and straight forward. I’ll never forget my time with Yemaya and found her story inspiring and full of strength and heart.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: ““Spellbinding...A captivating debut.” — Harper’s Bazaar
In this stirring and lyrical debut novel—perfect for fans of The Water Dancer and the Legacy of Orïsha series—the Yoruba deity of the sea, Yemaya, is brought to vivid life as she discovers the power of Black resilience, love, and feminine strength in antebellum America.”
I had to read Shallow Waters slowly to give time for this world to come together in my mind. I loved the cameos by historical figures like Harriet Tubman and learning more about Yemaya and Yoruba culture. Shallow Waters has a touch of young adult feel in that the writing is approachable and straight forward. I’ll never forget my time with Yemaya and found her story inspiring and full of strength and heart.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 5, 2021
In Anita Kopacz’s debut novel 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨, the black mermaid/diety Yemaya offers spiritual guidance, strength, and resilience to Black people and their ancestral roots. Kopacz understands the importance of history and the power it brings to readers. In the author’s note, she even explains: “No matter the side of history upon which your ancestors reside, we must all contend with the wounds that still present today.” Therefore, this character, this journey, and this message commands your full attention so you can see the warrior that lives within you. The novel chronicles Yemaya’s journey to find true love and freedom in the New World.
However, 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 barely made a splash in the sea for me. Not only was the water shallow, but so was the writing. This novel was marketed as an adult historical fiction/fantasy novel, but it read like a middle-grade fiction novel. This line sums up the entire novel: “I left the ocean because I fell in love with a fisherman. He was gentle and strong all at the same time. I followed him to this new world.” His name is Obatala. He saved her. She, now, has to save him. This is the story that unfolds. A black mermaid transforms into human form with magical powers to free herself, Obatala, and the others enslaved in America. Let’s not even get into the disjointedness of the timeline or the lack of character development here.
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 is a decent read for middle school students, but I hated it. They might learn something, but I’d recommend them other books to learn about The Underground Railroad or Frederick Douglas because this isn’t it. I’m shocked honestly that this made it out of the writing room. It’s fine to have a seat at the table, but please don’t push anything out to feed our people.
However, 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 barely made a splash in the sea for me. Not only was the water shallow, but so was the writing. This novel was marketed as an adult historical fiction/fantasy novel, but it read like a middle-grade fiction novel. This line sums up the entire novel: “I left the ocean because I fell in love with a fisherman. He was gentle and strong all at the same time. I followed him to this new world.” His name is Obatala. He saved her. She, now, has to save him. This is the story that unfolds. A black mermaid transforms into human form with magical powers to free herself, Obatala, and the others enslaved in America. Let’s not even get into the disjointedness of the timeline or the lack of character development here.
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 is a decent read for middle school students, but I hated it. They might learn something, but I’d recommend them other books to learn about The Underground Railroad or Frederick Douglas because this isn’t it. I’m shocked honestly that this made it out of the writing room. It’s fine to have a seat at the table, but please don’t push anything out to feed our people.
August 9, 2021
Review to come because what the hell even was this? lol but also...yikes
May 31, 2022
This was a quite unique story and it was very interesting. I just wanted it to be a bit loger but overall an good read
July 31, 2021
Anita Kopacz's Shallow Waters is built around a striking premise: a young Yemaya (the Yoruba mother/sea god), unaware of her powers, falls in love with an African fisherman and, when he is captured by slavers, follows his boat across the sea to the pre-Civil War U.S., transforms herself into a woman and sets out in search of this man. The book has been compared to The Water Dancer and The Prophets, so I was looking forward to the kind of read that would build a world and let me live in the minds of its characters as they experience that world.
As several reviewers have pointed out, however, this title reads like Young Adult literature. It's episodic, and too much of the narrative relies on coincidence. I'm meaning to slam neither young adult literature nor Shallow Waters, but at 224 pages the author doesn't give herself room to flesh out the many situations, settings, and characters she creates. I'd love to see this novel developed into a trilogy, say, that would let readers linger on different stages in the journey Yemaya takes.
Bottom line, though: Kopacz wrote the book she wanted to write—not the book I might have wished she'd written. Shallow Waters provides an effective basic introduction to one part of Yoruba beliefs; introduces a number of historical characters, including Harriet Tubman and Ralph Waldo Emerson; depicts the underground railroad; and explores the way U.S. colonialism shaped the lives of those unwillingly brought from Africa and those who were living on this land before the arrival of Europeans. There's much to value here, even if some readers may leave the book wishing for more.
I received an electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.
As several reviewers have pointed out, however, this title reads like Young Adult literature. It's episodic, and too much of the narrative relies on coincidence. I'm meaning to slam neither young adult literature nor Shallow Waters, but at 224 pages the author doesn't give herself room to flesh out the many situations, settings, and characters she creates. I'd love to see this novel developed into a trilogy, say, that would let readers linger on different stages in the journey Yemaya takes.
Bottom line, though: Kopacz wrote the book she wanted to write—not the book I might have wished she'd written. Shallow Waters provides an effective basic introduction to one part of Yoruba beliefs; introduces a number of historical characters, including Harriet Tubman and Ralph Waldo Emerson; depicts the underground railroad; and explores the way U.S. colonialism shaped the lives of those unwillingly brought from Africa and those who were living on this land before the arrival of Europeans. There's much to value here, even if some readers may leave the book wishing for more.
I received an electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.
September 6, 2021
“Shallow Waters” is an unpretentious account, a mix of fantasy and historical fiction. It is the tale of imaginary beings, but also a story with a complex message. Yemaya is a Mer being, mermaid if you will, and she tells her story in a first person present tense narrative as she journeys through time. It begins as she hatches from a cocoon, shedding her previous form, and becoming a woman. Readers then go back to the beginning of her journey, the encounter that changed the direction of her life, meeting Obatala. Every story transitions to yet another story. Escape brings danger; danger brings opportunity, and opportunity brings change as Yemaya moves from the peril of pirates in the Caribbean to the trauma that is The South in pre – Civil War United States, and finally on to the promise of freedom in The North.
“Shallow Waters” is engaging and thought provoking. It is quick to read and compels one to read it again. I received a review copy of “Shallow Waters” from Anita Kopacz, Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, and Simon & Schuster. Yemaya’s story unfolds with both simplicity and complexity. There are lessons from history that have applications for today.
“Shallow Waters” is engaging and thought provoking. It is quick to read and compels one to read it again. I received a review copy of “Shallow Waters” from Anita Kopacz, Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, and Simon & Schuster. Yemaya’s story unfolds with both simplicity and complexity. There are lessons from history that have applications for today.
“It’s not always wise to be the largest tree. We must know how to bend and compromise, like the willow, or else we will go down with the storm.”
August 9, 2021
As someone who is ignorant to Yoruba folklore and deities until this book, I guess the most I can do with this is to thank "Shallow Waters" for kickstarting my journey in learning more about Yemaya. Other than that, this book did not work for me, and I'm going to try my best to explain why:
The Writing:
So, the writing is, indeed, simple. There's nothing with that, per se, unless the goal was to have this read as a Young Adult or middle-grade novel. Considering this appears to have been marked on Goodreads as just about everything but YA or middle-grade, I admit that I'm a bit skeptical. The simpleness of the writing did lend for a quicker read, though, as well as its short length. Unfortunately, the shortness of the book leads me into my next problem:
Characterization:
For lack of a better word, every single character in this book is shallow. There's no depth to any of them, not even our main protagonist. I think I understand what the author was attempting with this, making Yemaya a physical manifestation of the water goddess and how most everyone she comes to meet -- her people, mostly -- have already heard of her or know who she is, whether it's because her face is plastered on wanted posters all over the country, or simply because she's a goddess who they look to for guidance and strength and perseverance.
That's something that did not work for me, the looking to Yemaya for guidance or strength or perseverance because, since we're stuck in Yemaya's head for the entirety of this short novel, I don't know why anyone would be looking to her for anything. Her sole purpose was essentially just trying to find her Obatala, and there was a point in the story where she seemed to forget that briefly, but once she's reminded of her alleged love, that's all she's focused on and I just don't understand why she loves him or why he loves her because none of it is really said. We're just supposed to read between the lines, I guess, read into their so-called "moments" in the beginning of the book when they see each other for the first time and he's originally captured and put on a slave ship bound for the New World that is the United States. I wasn't convinced that they love each other. We're just told over and over again that they do, but not really shown.
Another thing I didn't really like was the character of Phineas. While I know that white plantation owners were just as bad, oftentimes worse, as Phineas, his villainy came across almost... cartoonish? All of his dialogue felt... I don't know how to explain it, but it felt kind of forced. Over the top. Slightly unbelievable.
The Pacing:
The first few chapters were paced nicely, but as you continue reading, it starts picking up at breakneck speed and you're not able to get to know any of the characters that Yemaya meets on her journey. There are a handful of characters Yemaya runs into more than once throughout the story, but a majority of the characters are just one-offs who are there one second, gone the next.
The Ending:
If that wasn't the most predictable of endings in a story, I don't what is. To me, the ending just felt like a complete waste of time.
I was hoping that I would like this more than I did, because it definitely sounds like an important story to be shared with the world, but it was just executed poorly, in my opinion. I believe it could have done with some more fleshing out of the characters, as well as a better build-up of the relationship between Yemaya and Obatala, because we're not told anything about who Obatala is at all, so their "love story" comes across flat.
Again, I will thank "Shallow Waters" for kickstarting my interest in reading more not just about Yemaya and Obatala, but of Yoruba folklore in general because I am always interested in learning about new things and seeing how the story of Yemaya and Obatala change between Africa (Nigeria) and South America (Brazil) is fascinating to me. I also thank Edelweiss for providing me this arc to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Writing:
So, the writing is, indeed, simple. There's nothing with that, per se, unless the goal was to have this read as a Young Adult or middle-grade novel. Considering this appears to have been marked on Goodreads as just about everything but YA or middle-grade, I admit that I'm a bit skeptical. The simpleness of the writing did lend for a quicker read, though, as well as its short length. Unfortunately, the shortness of the book leads me into my next problem:
Characterization:
For lack of a better word, every single character in this book is shallow. There's no depth to any of them, not even our main protagonist. I think I understand what the author was attempting with this, making Yemaya a physical manifestation of the water goddess and how most everyone she comes to meet -- her people, mostly -- have already heard of her or know who she is, whether it's because her face is plastered on wanted posters all over the country, or simply because she's a goddess who they look to for guidance and strength and perseverance.
That's something that did not work for me, the looking to Yemaya for guidance or strength or perseverance because, since we're stuck in Yemaya's head for the entirety of this short novel, I don't know why anyone would be looking to her for anything. Her sole purpose was essentially just trying to find her Obatala, and there was a point in the story where she seemed to forget that briefly, but once she's reminded of her alleged love, that's all she's focused on and I just don't understand why she loves him or why he loves her because none of it is really said. We're just supposed to read between the lines, I guess, read into their so-called "moments" in the beginning of the book when they see each other for the first time and he's originally captured and put on a slave ship bound for the New World that is the United States. I wasn't convinced that they love each other. We're just told over and over again that they do, but not really shown.
Another thing I didn't really like was the character of Phineas. While I know that white plantation owners were just as bad, oftentimes worse, as Phineas, his villainy came across almost... cartoonish? All of his dialogue felt... I don't know how to explain it, but it felt kind of forced. Over the top. Slightly unbelievable.
The Pacing:
The first few chapters were paced nicely, but as you continue reading, it starts picking up at breakneck speed and you're not able to get to know any of the characters that Yemaya meets on her journey. There are a handful of characters Yemaya runs into more than once throughout the story, but a majority of the characters are just one-offs who are there one second, gone the next.
The Ending:
If that wasn't the most predictable of endings in a story, I don't what is. To me, the ending just felt like a complete waste of time.
I was hoping that I would like this more than I did, because it definitely sounds like an important story to be shared with the world, but it was just executed poorly, in my opinion. I believe it could have done with some more fleshing out of the characters, as well as a better build-up of the relationship between Yemaya and Obatala, because we're not told anything about who Obatala is at all, so their "love story" comes across flat.
Again, I will thank "Shallow Waters" for kickstarting my interest in reading more not just about Yemaya and Obatala, but of Yoruba folklore in general because I am always interested in learning about new things and seeing how the story of Yemaya and Obatala change between Africa (Nigeria) and South America (Brazil) is fascinating to me. I also thank Edelweiss for providing me this arc to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
I have received this ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
When I was first asked to dive into Shallow Waters, I'll admit that I was pretty intrigued after reading the synopsis. I feel like I don't read a lot of books that are set in Africa and I'm pretty sure I've never read about an African goddess either. So, yeah, I was kind of excited to dive into this one.
After meeting the characters, I had a feeling that this was one of those books that I needed to devour slowly so that I could enjoy the world and the adventure. In it, you will meet Yemaya who is a water goddess. She is on a mission to track Obtala, the man she loves, who was captured in Africa and sold to America for slavery.
Along the way, she is captured as well but that doesn't stray her from her mission. She is very determined to get to Obtala and reunite with him. In some ways, I liked Yemaya but she did seem a bit naïve about things that included her own people and culture. At least the younger version of her did and that felt realistic to me.
While on this quest of hers, she definitely grows up or matures in her own way. This definitely made her more likable in my eyes because she is understanding everything a bit more clearly and has her eyes open to everything that is happening around her. I also really liked the people she met along her journey of the Underground Railroad. I would pretty much pee in my pants if I met Harriet Tubman and I definitely wanted more chapters of her just interacting with them.
Other than that, it was just a very interesting book to dive into. I liked all the different parts that this touched on. The good, the bad, and all the things that hard to read but needed to be said. I just kind of wanted more of some things to make this even better in my eyes. Still, it was a good book and people definitely need to dive into this.
When I was first asked to dive into Shallow Waters, I'll admit that I was pretty intrigued after reading the synopsis. I feel like I don't read a lot of books that are set in Africa and I'm pretty sure I've never read about an African goddess either. So, yeah, I was kind of excited to dive into this one.
After meeting the characters, I had a feeling that this was one of those books that I needed to devour slowly so that I could enjoy the world and the adventure. In it, you will meet Yemaya who is a water goddess. She is on a mission to track Obtala, the man she loves, who was captured in Africa and sold to America for slavery.
Along the way, she is captured as well but that doesn't stray her from her mission. She is very determined to get to Obtala and reunite with him. In some ways, I liked Yemaya but she did seem a bit naïve about things that included her own people and culture. At least the younger version of her did and that felt realistic to me.
While on this quest of hers, she definitely grows up or matures in her own way. This definitely made her more likable in my eyes because she is understanding everything a bit more clearly and has her eyes open to everything that is happening around her. I also really liked the people she met along her journey of the Underground Railroad. I would pretty much pee in my pants if I met Harriet Tubman and I definitely wanted more chapters of her just interacting with them.
Other than that, it was just a very interesting book to dive into. I liked all the different parts that this touched on. The good, the bad, and all the things that hard to read but needed to be said. I just kind of wanted more of some things to make this even better in my eyes. Still, it was a good book and people definitely need to dive into this.
March 10, 2022
Well that was…… something.
See more thoughts here! https://youtu.be/y7NQ8rbsmhE
See more thoughts here! https://youtu.be/y7NQ8rbsmhE
September 4, 2021
Honestly , I bought read the book because of Charlamagne Tha God’s constant advertisement. It was underwhelming. Maybe a good read for kids and teens but , yeah it wasn’t that good, Wasn’t captivating, I just finished it because I like to finish what I start.
February 15, 2023
Yikes—where to begin with this one? Shallow Waters bears an unfortunate title, especially given my ultimate sentiments on the book as a whole. I feel like I'd been encountering so much positive pub for this novel, that my expectations were uncharacteristically (and in the end, misguidedly) high.
Let's start with the characters and character development (or lack thereof). The reader's introduction to Yemaya starts off promising enough: a symbol of hope with humble beginnings who is enmeshed in a star-crossed love and unaware of her true power. This is what pulls the reader in as Yemaya is physically drawn away from her home and experiences her own iteration of the Middle Passage. Ironically it seems that once she arrives on America's slavery-ridden shores, not only does the trouble truly begin within the story but writing-wise as well.
There are ebbs and flows to what feels like authenticity in terms of representation of the abhorrent reality of slavery in Shallow Waters. While assistance from select white individuals (namely, abolitionists along the Underground Railroad) did factor into some actual slave escape stories, it was by no means all-encompassing. Yet Kopacsz oddly chooses to feature and rely upon white characters in this capacity to such a degree, that it feels like the rule as opposed to the exception. It would have been fine to feature a few within the general scope of the narrative, but Kopacsz's heavy hand in this regard made it so that the story itself never advanced more than a few pages without the apparition of a white Samaritan:
Richard (who seems to have a fetish for Yemaya: "You do know how beautiful you are, right?...I hold his hand and listen to his musings. "I can die now," he says. "Why do you say that?" "It's just a saying. It means that I have reached be happiest point, and I would be ready to die." (138),
T.M. William Brown (who randomly provides Yemaya with a ,
Tillie,
Aunt Soph,
Waldo,
Christopher,
Uncle David,
Aunt Rose
It came to feel unrealistic, stifling, and downright aggravating, especially as Yemaya becomes preoccupied with and at times actively makes decisions prioritizing said characters (Tillie in particular, as when Yemaya insists that the group
There is also an odd one-dimensionality and even, at times, a perplexing attempt at lightheartedness ("He turns around for a moment and holds the light up to my face and whispers, "Dear God in heaven. The whole country is looking for you. Good thing I have more money then I can count, it else I might be rebooted to turn you in." I think he is waiting for us to laugh...He lets out a boisterous howl, then yells, "It's all in jest!" (180-181) in relation to slavery in the novel that was simply off-putting. By contrast, Kopacsz's effort to offer meaningful commentary through characters (which she chooses to do almost exclusively through her white characters) comes off as gullible and wooden:
Richard: "I do not know when this nonsense will cease. This type of trading was supposed to stop long before I was born." (52)
.
Tillie: "It's been going on for too long. They treat Africans like they are not human. They work all day, every day, with no pay. And the way they beat you - people like you." (71)
The meals given to Yemaya and her companions at their various stops along the Railroad were oftentimes unrealistically lavish, given the circumstances:
"You really should eat; I'm sure you're famished. The food here is simply divine. I had them make my favorite: eggs Benedict and sweet oatmeal. It's cold, but still edible." (73)
.
"...she enters with a large plate hidden under a fancy silver cover." (99)
.
"I lean over the opening and see him standing below with a silver tray full of food." (131)
.
"The house staff lay out plates of chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, cornbread, and tea." (172)
.
"Our covered dinner plates are placed at the feet of our beds...I lift the silver covering to find a steaming plate of roasted potatoes, chicken, rice, and broccoli." (183)
The accommodations are often equally outlandish—especially unrealistic, given the constant need for an escapee to hide and remain out of sight at a moment's notice:
"The floors are lined with mattresses. "I didn't know how many people were with you. I wanted to make sure you were comfortable." (121)
In a similar vein, Kopacsz often employs speech that is not era appropriate or just downright clunky, which became grating. It's as if she has 19th century characters speaking like they're living in the 21st:
"I hate to break this to you right now..." (50)
"Tillie, you have to go with Aunt Soph." (100)
"You do know how beautiful you are, right?" (138)
The character development deficiencies and one-dimensionality inevitably bleed into storyline fluidity in Shallow Waters. A lack of background or information surrounding plot events, like Sara are often glossed over like this:
"Is Sara here?" I whisper in his ear.
"No. I sent her up north." (120)
A sense of relief settles throughout my body. We walk to the back of the house." (120)
Such incidents only highlight the ways in which the novel oddly fixates on the wrong plot points while glossing over the potentially meaningful ones. Incidental characters and events that seemed to merit only cursory mention were consistently focused on in a prolonged way, like Yemaya's interactions with "Waldo" (who it seems is meant to be an iteration of Ralph Waldo Emerson? - 131) and Yemaya getting her period for the first time (175).
Not only was the book's ending abrupt and clichéd, but it was especially eye-roll inducing that Kopacsz chose to have Yemaya . It was a profoundly lackluster ending, to an equally dismal reading experience.
In no world do I feel like Shallow Waters should be classified as "Adult Fiction." The fact that it is, seems absurd. It's Middle Grade or YA at best, though (so as not to decry the high quality of YA being produced in recent years) more so a regression to the YA of yore, with its simplistic writing and lack of depth. The novel's only plusses (which are the sole reasons I even gave it 2 stars at all) are that it introduces a larger audience to the entity of Yemaya and her significance, as well as a surface level introduction to the Underground Railroad and Quaker involvement. And though also one of its prime weaknesses (so, a catch-22 of sorts), the fact that the simplicity of the writing made it a quick read.
Shallow Waters seems more like an unpolished draft than finished product. It's hard to believe this went through various stages of review and was deemed not only cohesive, but ready for print and subsequently lauded. I'm saddened and frustrated by the fact that in its current state, Shallow Waters was selected for publication over countless other stories of actual final product caliber.
Let's start with the characters and character development (or lack thereof). The reader's introduction to Yemaya starts off promising enough: a symbol of hope with humble beginnings who is enmeshed in a star-crossed love and unaware of her true power. This is what pulls the reader in as Yemaya is physically drawn away from her home and experiences her own iteration of the Middle Passage. Ironically it seems that once she arrives on America's slavery-ridden shores, not only does the trouble truly begin within the story but writing-wise as well.
There are ebbs and flows to what feels like authenticity in terms of representation of the abhorrent reality of slavery in Shallow Waters. While assistance from select white individuals (namely, abolitionists along the Underground Railroad) did factor into some actual slave escape stories, it was by no means all-encompassing. Yet Kopacsz oddly chooses to feature and rely upon white characters in this capacity to such a degree, that it feels like the rule as opposed to the exception. It would have been fine to feature a few within the general scope of the narrative, but Kopacsz's heavy hand in this regard made it so that the story itself never advanced more than a few pages without the apparition of a white Samaritan:
Richard (who seems to have a fetish for Yemaya: "You do know how beautiful you are, right?...I hold his hand and listen to his musings. "I can die now," he says. "Why do you say that?" "It's just a saying. It means that I have reached be happiest point, and I would be ready to die." (138),
T.M. William Brown (who randomly provides Yemaya with a ,
Tillie,
Aunt Soph,
Waldo,
Christopher,
Uncle David,
Aunt Rose
It came to feel unrealistic, stifling, and downright aggravating, especially as Yemaya becomes preoccupied with and at times actively makes decisions prioritizing said characters (Tillie in particular, as when Yemaya insists that the group
There is also an odd one-dimensionality and even, at times, a perplexing attempt at lightheartedness ("He turns around for a moment and holds the light up to my face and whispers, "Dear God in heaven. The whole country is looking for you. Good thing I have more money then I can count, it else I might be rebooted to turn you in." I think he is waiting for us to laugh...He lets out a boisterous howl, then yells, "It's all in jest!" (180-181) in relation to slavery in the novel that was simply off-putting. By contrast, Kopacsz's effort to offer meaningful commentary through characters (which she chooses to do almost exclusively through her white characters) comes off as gullible and wooden:
Richard: "I do not know when this nonsense will cease. This type of trading was supposed to stop long before I was born." (52)
.
Tillie: "It's been going on for too long. They treat Africans like they are not human. They work all day, every day, with no pay. And the way they beat you - people like you." (71)
The meals given to Yemaya and her companions at their various stops along the Railroad were oftentimes unrealistically lavish, given the circumstances:
"You really should eat; I'm sure you're famished. The food here is simply divine. I had them make my favorite: eggs Benedict and sweet oatmeal. It's cold, but still edible." (73)
.
"...she enters with a large plate hidden under a fancy silver cover." (99)
.
"I lean over the opening and see him standing below with a silver tray full of food." (131)
.
"The house staff lay out plates of chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, cornbread, and tea." (172)
.
"Our covered dinner plates are placed at the feet of our beds...I lift the silver covering to find a steaming plate of roasted potatoes, chicken, rice, and broccoli." (183)
The accommodations are often equally outlandish—especially unrealistic, given the constant need for an escapee to hide and remain out of sight at a moment's notice:
"The floors are lined with mattresses. "I didn't know how many people were with you. I wanted to make sure you were comfortable." (121)
In a similar vein, Kopacsz often employs speech that is not era appropriate or just downright clunky, which became grating. It's as if she has 19th century characters speaking like they're living in the 21st:
"I hate to break this to you right now..." (50)
"Tillie, you have to go with Aunt Soph." (100)
"You do know how beautiful you are, right?" (138)
The character development deficiencies and one-dimensionality inevitably bleed into storyline fluidity in Shallow Waters. A lack of background or information surrounding plot events, like Sara are often glossed over like this:
"Is Sara here?" I whisper in his ear.
"No. I sent her up north." (120)
A sense of relief settles throughout my body. We walk to the back of the house." (120)
Such incidents only highlight the ways in which the novel oddly fixates on the wrong plot points while glossing over the potentially meaningful ones. Incidental characters and events that seemed to merit only cursory mention were consistently focused on in a prolonged way, like Yemaya's interactions with "Waldo" (who it seems is meant to be an iteration of Ralph Waldo Emerson? - 131) and Yemaya getting her period for the first time (175).
Not only was the book's ending abrupt and clichéd, but it was especially eye-roll inducing that Kopacsz chose to have Yemaya . It was a profoundly lackluster ending, to an equally dismal reading experience.
In no world do I feel like Shallow Waters should be classified as "Adult Fiction." The fact that it is, seems absurd. It's Middle Grade or YA at best, though (so as not to decry the high quality of YA being produced in recent years) more so a regression to the YA of yore, with its simplistic writing and lack of depth. The novel's only plusses (which are the sole reasons I even gave it 2 stars at all) are that it introduces a larger audience to the entity of Yemaya and her significance, as well as a surface level introduction to the Underground Railroad and Quaker involvement. And though also one of its prime weaknesses (so, a catch-22 of sorts), the fact that the simplicity of the writing made it a quick read.
Shallow Waters seems more like an unpolished draft than finished product. It's hard to believe this went through various stages of review and was deemed not only cohesive, but ready for print and subsequently lauded. I'm saddened and frustrated by the fact that in its current state, Shallow Waters was selected for publication over countless other stories of actual final product caliber.
December 30, 2022
I so wanted to love this book. A black mermaid travels the middle passage to follow a man she has loved from a distance who has been captured in the slave trade coupled with trying to find him after they make landing in America. There was WAY too much here to be a 202 page book. Either elements needed to be dropped, or we needed another 100 pages. The book suffered for moving way too fast. Additional issues, somehow all indigenous nations were in communication and super friendly. She also keeps finding the same three or four people on what is a multistate journey. It also felt like all of the America chapters took place in the span of 1-2 weeks. The ending also made me mad because I didn't have enough time and care built up to feel for the characters at the end
November 12, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. A unique and engaging tale. West African mythology and powerful magic crash into the Antebellum South. I knew about the Orisha, but not about Yemaya in particular.
By including Indigenous peoples, the Quakers, and the early version of suffragettes, the author gives the narrative a wider, more historical arc. The feeling of the powerless having an unseen weapon against the powerful is enticing. The emotional impact is reminiscent of Ring Shout, by P. Djèlí Clark.
By including Indigenous peoples, the Quakers, and the early version of suffragettes, the author gives the narrative a wider, more historical arc. The feeling of the powerless having an unseen weapon against the powerful is enticing. The emotional impact is reminiscent of Ring Shout, by P. Djèlí Clark.
October 8, 2021
I was disappointed with this story. It’s a quick read, but very simplistic considering it was marketed for adults. I never felt any real connection with the characters or the story. The premise was great, but sadly, I wasn’t a fan of the execution.
November 21, 2022
Shallow Waters felt like a mix between a fairy tale and a superhero story - magical, breathtaking, and powerful.
Yemaya is a mermaid living in the shallow waters off the coast of West Africa, and she has fallen in love with a fisherman named Obatala who saved her from the fishing nets when they were children - but they are only able to watch each other from Afar. That changes when slave ships reach their shore and round up the villagers. Yemaya follows the ship across the ocean, where she begins a journey to find her love. In the process, she learns about the horrors of slavery, the Trail of Tears, and more. But in this journey she also rediscovers who she really is and the power she holds.
The writing style felt like listening to an oral storyteller reciting a folktale - and it was, in fact, based on a Yoruba mermaid story. I was swept away by the magic and wonder. Despite the book being set amid awful atrocities, it was inspiring to imagine the idea of a hero who had the power to overcome evil. There was heartache, but also hope.
This was a fast but meaningful read - 4.25 stars
Yemaya is a mermaid living in the shallow waters off the coast of West Africa, and she has fallen in love with a fisherman named Obatala who saved her from the fishing nets when they were children - but they are only able to watch each other from Afar. That changes when slave ships reach their shore and round up the villagers. Yemaya follows the ship across the ocean, where she begins a journey to find her love. In the process, she learns about the horrors of slavery, the Trail of Tears, and more. But in this journey she also rediscovers who she really is and the power she holds.
The writing style felt like listening to an oral storyteller reciting a folktale - and it was, in fact, based on a Yoruba mermaid story. I was swept away by the magic and wonder. Despite the book being set amid awful atrocities, it was inspiring to imagine the idea of a hero who had the power to overcome evil. There was heartache, but also hope.
This was a fast but meaningful read - 4.25 stars
October 17, 2021
This debut novel is beautifully written and spans the genres of historical fiction, fantasy, mythology and African culture. When I read the opening where it appears a mermaid is emerging from her shell now with her legs, I knew instantly I was going to love this read.
In this book, we see the world solely through Yemana's eyes. She falls in love with Obatala when he releases her from a net and becomes punished for it. From this point she is on a mission to find him. Slavery, Abolitionists, Quakers, Mers, Yoruba folklore, the Underground Railroad... all stories told throughout her travels towards him. While very lyrical, it is also very straight forward in its story telling and comes across like a young adult novel and I am here for it.
I think some people will want the story itself expanded in certain ways re the historical references but for me, I felt the 224 pages of Yemana's journey to find her love compelling, though at some times hard to read. The descriptives of Yemana's power were fascinating and I became entranced in each part as she traveled and as she grew into her womanhood. I do wish there had been some more character development and little more information on why Yemana and Obtala's bond was so strong after such a brief meeting. Overall I did really enjoy the journey.
In this book, we see the world solely through Yemana's eyes. She falls in love with Obatala when he releases her from a net and becomes punished for it. From this point she is on a mission to find him. Slavery, Abolitionists, Quakers, Mers, Yoruba folklore, the Underground Railroad... all stories told throughout her travels towards him. While very lyrical, it is also very straight forward in its story telling and comes across like a young adult novel and I am here for it.
I think some people will want the story itself expanded in certain ways re the historical references but for me, I felt the 224 pages of Yemana's journey to find her love compelling, though at some times hard to read. The descriptives of Yemana's power were fascinating and I became entranced in each part as she traveled and as she grew into her womanhood. I do wish there had been some more character development and little more information on why Yemana and Obtala's bond was so strong after such a brief meeting. Overall I did really enjoy the journey.
August 18, 2021
I came to this book because as soon as I saw that it was an adaptation of the mythological Yemanja the mother of all the Orishas, I knew I had to read it.
It was not everything I expected, it lacked a bit of mysticism and certainly fell short of giving our protagonist the value that she has.
I recognized what I knew about her in the offerings and the respect that is had for her, but from my experience with the goddess of the sea, I was left me wanting more of her.
The boook certainly lacks fervor which does not do any favors to the valorization of culture.
In any case, it is a start for those who wish to know more about the Orishas.
It was not everything I expected, it lacked a bit of mysticism and certainly fell short of giving our protagonist the value that she has.
I recognized what I knew about her in the offerings and the respect that is had for her, but from my experience with the goddess of the sea, I was left me wanting more of her.
The boook certainly lacks fervor which does not do any favors to the valorization of culture.
In any case, it is a start for those who wish to know more about the Orishas.
August 7, 2021
This would have been so good if it didn't lacked depth on the characters that keeps being introduced then disappears. Even our protagonist lacks depth as well as the sudden unrealistic love interest. needed to.
The writing was choppy and loose ends. Timelines and narration was disjointed as well. And the end was obviously rushed
The writing was choppy and loose ends. Timelines and narration was disjointed as well. And the end was obviously rushed
August 23, 2021
I did NOT want this beautifully told story to end!! What a gorgeously moving debut by Anita Kopacz! Part historical fiction and part fantasy, this story is set in Antebellum America featuring Yemaya, a Yoruba deity of the sea and part of African mythology. Yemaya makes a choice to transform herself into a human form and follows Obatala, a slave man she sees as he makes his way by ship to America. Once there she quickly comes to learn about the hatred and racism of American slavery and the horrors of the Trail of Tears.
I loved that Yemaya was such a strong and resilient woman. She meets and befriends and diverse cast of characters, from escaped slaves, Indigenous tribes, Quakers and other sympathetic white people working to help slaves travel the underground railroad. She also has to fight against men that want to enslave her, others that think she’s a witch and try to kill her. Throughout it all she acts with generosity and kindness, helping those she meets and always trying to make her back to Obatala.
I can’t gush about this book enough! HIGHLY recommended for fans of The water dancer, Conjure women or The legacy of Orïsha series by Tomi Adeyemi Excellent on audio read by Michelle Kopacz! Fingers crossed there is more to come by this author soon!
I loved that Yemaya was such a strong and resilient woman. She meets and befriends and diverse cast of characters, from escaped slaves, Indigenous tribes, Quakers and other sympathetic white people working to help slaves travel the underground railroad. She also has to fight against men that want to enslave her, others that think she’s a witch and try to kill her. Throughout it all she acts with generosity and kindness, helping those she meets and always trying to make her back to Obatala.
I can’t gush about this book enough! HIGHLY recommended for fans of The water dancer, Conjure women or The legacy of Orïsha series by Tomi Adeyemi Excellent on audio read by Michelle Kopacz! Fingers crossed there is more to come by this author soon!
May 1, 2022
Shallow Waters by Anita Kopacz was a really good book and I am glad that my friend Cindy highly recommend me to read it. The tale centers around Yemaya, the African Orisha sea deity/Ocean Queen and her mystical journey. In which are mentioned various famous black leaders of that time while in search her for true love Obatalá. He is the African Orisha of the Sky Father and the creator of human bodies. This book novel was a pretty introduction of the Caribbean & African American religion of Yoruba.
This book is the first novel of Anita Kopacz and all I must say is well done for creating an interesting & thrilling tale. This one was a real page turner and the narrations was beautifully done to. I would recommend any to read it it or listen to this tale. Its definitely worth your time. I was so glad that Cindy lean me her book. I rate it with four top stars & two thumbs up.
This book is the first novel of Anita Kopacz and all I must say is well done for creating an interesting & thrilling tale. This one was a real page turner and the narrations was beautifully done to. I would recommend any to read it it or listen to this tale. Its definitely worth your time. I was so glad that Cindy lean me her book. I rate it with four top stars & two thumbs up.
February 5, 2025
I'm not sure what I just read, I wanted to LOVE this but I'm not sure if I even liked it. The premise of a mermaid goddess becoming human to chase after her love had me intrigued, but then having to hear about all the things she endured to get to that love was rough. Yikes.
February 27, 2024
A great piece of historical fantasy — Yoruba mermaids meet antebellum America
August 29, 2021
I had high hopes for this book after reading the forward at the beginning. Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. The book follows a reimagined Yemaya (a major water spirit from the Yoruba religion) living in America during slavery. Reading a bit like a Forrest Gump of sorts—Yemaya comes across various historic figures like Harriet Tubman—I think I would’ve liked the book more had it been longer. It seems the short book style simply approached the horrors of slavery in an amateur manner.
February 6, 2025
This was really interesting. I listened to the audio and I'm glad I did, I feel like this a story that's meant to be told to you not read. It was interesting to learn about Yemaya and I enjoyed the historical landscape it was set in. The insta love really didn't work for me and I also wanted this to go deeper, it felt more like quick flashes than a full fleshed out narrative. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I do think it's a worthwhile story to hear, I just wanted more from it.
October 4, 2024
SPOILERS
*DO NOT READ IF YOU HATE SPOILERS*
When you read this book it will live with you and you will miss it so much you’ll read it again. Each time hoping for different actions and a methodology for preventing tragedies (Obatala dies).
This is intentional. The author wants us to recognize our power as we witness Yemaya ignorant to hers!
I read the book and listened to the audiobook.
My first reading: 3/9/23-3/26/23
My second reading 7/16/23-7/21/23
Reading 3 September 2024-October 2024
I’m still thinking about this and working out my thoughts so feel free to share yours
The meaning of the title, Shallow Waters is duplicitous.
Shallow Waters equate safety for our main character, Yemaya. It’s her home. However, shallow waters can be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, the water may not be deep enough for safe swimming or diving, and rocks or other hazards may be hidden beneath the surface. Secondly, shallow water can be affected by strong currents, which can be difficult to detect and can pull swimmers out to sea. Yemaya is a mermaid. We read the story in her perspective. As humans we have to understand home from her point of view, shallow waters can be home to dangerous marine creatures such as jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks, which can cause serious injury or death if encountered. Yemaya is not a dangerous creature. She is a protector of Africans but she doesn’t know that. It's important to always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when swimming or boating in shallow waters. Obatala is a fisherman and falls in love with Yemaya in the water…
Water becomes shallow when approaching new land
New land is danger for the middle passage but also the relief from the ship
Connotations to consider in chapter 2:
Cocoon
Walls
Womb
Changes of the earth in chapter 3
I assigned this book as summer reading for my AP African American studies course. 78 students (grades 10-12) are enrolled.
There is some mature content… the n word is used many times, African people are called slaves (instead of enslaved people), the main character gets her first period, and there’s a love scene in chapter 20. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this book for children younger than grade 10 without parent permission.
From my district press release:
This week, Nyack High School students enrolled in the AP African American Studies course for the 2023-24 school year had a special visit from Anita Kopacz, author of “Shallow Waters.” The book signing and meet-and-greet was an inspirational kick-off to their required summer reading. English teacher Synthia Salomon chose the novel to correlate with the first unit of study; origins of the African Diaspora.
“'Shallow Waters' personifies the diasporic journey of African Spirituality, “ said Salomon. “With the release of the live-action, ‘Little Mermaid,’ I wanted to capture student interests and offer Yemaya (a Yoruban mermaid deity). In fairy tale form, the novel provides a glimpse of what will come into play throughout the first unit and course from a first-person point of view combining fantasy and reality. It is a reminder that African people were enslaved (not slaves).”
As she signed copies of the book, Kopacz chatted with teens about the story that incorporates themes such as remembering ancestry, honoring history and exercising your personal power. She will return in September for a formal book talk.
Nyack High School has been selected as one of 60 high schools in the United States to pilot the AP African American Studies course this fall. Ms. Salomon will participate in a training provided by the College Board this summer, along with a cohort of educators across the nation in preparation for teaching this interdisciplinary course. Students can expect to examine the diversity of African American experiences with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills.
*DO NOT READ IF YOU HATE SPOILERS*
When you read this book it will live with you and you will miss it so much you’ll read it again. Each time hoping for different actions and a methodology for preventing tragedies (Obatala dies).
This is intentional. The author wants us to recognize our power as we witness Yemaya ignorant to hers!
I read the book and listened to the audiobook.
My first reading: 3/9/23-3/26/23
My second reading 7/16/23-7/21/23
Reading 3 September 2024-October 2024
I’m still thinking about this and working out my thoughts so feel free to share yours
The meaning of the title, Shallow Waters is duplicitous.
Shallow Waters equate safety for our main character, Yemaya. It’s her home. However, shallow waters can be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, the water may not be deep enough for safe swimming or diving, and rocks or other hazards may be hidden beneath the surface. Secondly, shallow water can be affected by strong currents, which can be difficult to detect and can pull swimmers out to sea. Yemaya is a mermaid. We read the story in her perspective. As humans we have to understand home from her point of view, shallow waters can be home to dangerous marine creatures such as jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks, which can cause serious injury or death if encountered. Yemaya is not a dangerous creature. She is a protector of Africans but she doesn’t know that. It's important to always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when swimming or boating in shallow waters. Obatala is a fisherman and falls in love with Yemaya in the water…
Water becomes shallow when approaching new land
New land is danger for the middle passage but also the relief from the ship
Connotations to consider in chapter 2:
Cocoon
Walls
Womb
Changes of the earth in chapter 3
I assigned this book as summer reading for my AP African American studies course. 78 students (grades 10-12) are enrolled.
There is some mature content… the n word is used many times, African people are called slaves (instead of enslaved people), the main character gets her first period, and there’s a love scene in chapter 20. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this book for children younger than grade 10 without parent permission.
From my district press release:
This week, Nyack High School students enrolled in the AP African American Studies course for the 2023-24 school year had a special visit from Anita Kopacz, author of “Shallow Waters.” The book signing and meet-and-greet was an inspirational kick-off to their required summer reading. English teacher Synthia Salomon chose the novel to correlate with the first unit of study; origins of the African Diaspora.
“'Shallow Waters' personifies the diasporic journey of African Spirituality, “ said Salomon. “With the release of the live-action, ‘Little Mermaid,’ I wanted to capture student interests and offer Yemaya (a Yoruban mermaid deity). In fairy tale form, the novel provides a glimpse of what will come into play throughout the first unit and course from a first-person point of view combining fantasy and reality. It is a reminder that African people were enslaved (not slaves).”
As she signed copies of the book, Kopacz chatted with teens about the story that incorporates themes such as remembering ancestry, honoring history and exercising your personal power. She will return in September for a formal book talk.
Nyack High School has been selected as one of 60 high schools in the United States to pilot the AP African American Studies course this fall. Ms. Salomon will participate in a training provided by the College Board this summer, along with a cohort of educators across the nation in preparation for teaching this interdisciplinary course. Students can expect to examine the diversity of African American experiences with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2021
I had high hopes for this, considering all its elements: sea goddesses, mermaids, actual history and real people woven into the plot…..
Unfortunately, the whole felt a little flat. Yemaya, a sea deity, sees a fisherman and falls in love. When he, and others in his village, are captured and forcibly transported to the US as part of the slave trade, Yemaya follows the ship. When it arrives at its destination, she realizes she needs to go on land to follow her love. She transforms her tail to legs, and over many months, falls in with an indigenous band, then slaves, slave holders and abolitionists, and keeps trying to find her fisherman, while also discovering her own tremendous power, and relying on the friendship, help and support of many women during her travels.
It was a little odd that the various slaves Yemaya encountered knew more about her exploits (in her Orïsha/mermaid form), than she did herself. Also, the dialogue felt a little weak, or stereotypical, and the characters were not fully fleshed out. Various historical figures did appear, but have small parts (most notable for me was Harriet Tubman.)
I wish I had felt more moved by what should have been a terrific story.
Unfortunately, the whole felt a little flat. Yemaya, a sea deity, sees a fisherman and falls in love. When he, and others in his village, are captured and forcibly transported to the US as part of the slave trade, Yemaya follows the ship. When it arrives at its destination, she realizes she needs to go on land to follow her love. She transforms her tail to legs, and over many months, falls in with an indigenous band, then slaves, slave holders and abolitionists, and keeps trying to find her fisherman, while also discovering her own tremendous power, and relying on the friendship, help and support of many women during her travels.
It was a little odd that the various slaves Yemaya encountered knew more about her exploits (in her Orïsha/mermaid form), than she did herself. Also, the dialogue felt a little weak, or stereotypical, and the characters were not fully fleshed out. Various historical figures did appear, but have small parts (most notable for me was Harriet Tubman.)
I wish I had felt more moved by what should have been a terrific story.
May 30, 2021
This book uses mythology, historical events, and magic to weave a story of resilience and love. I think young adult readers will be enthralled by the story, and hopefully, use it is a springboard to do their own research to learn more. Thank you to Atria Books and Black Privilege Publishing for sending me an advance reader's edition of this book!
May 12, 2021
Non-BIPOC reviewer here: Anita brings readers a history of the UGRR that is not often showcased. Yemaya's story and presence in the Underground Railroad is extremely important to share with the world. This was a book I finished in one sitting because I was so caught up in it.
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