Daughters of the Dust: A Gullah-Geechee Novel

by Julie Dash

Drawing from the magical world of her iconic Sundance award-winning film, Julie Dash’s stand-alone novel tells another rich, historical tale of the Gullah-Geechee a multigenerational story about a Brooklyn College anthropology student who finds an unexpected homecoming when she heads to the South Carolina Sea Islands to study her ancestors. Set in the 1920s in the Sea Islands off the Carolina coast where the Gullah-Geechee people have preserved much of their African heritage and language, Daughters of the Dust chronicles the lives of the Peazants, a large, proud family who trace their origins to the Ibo, who were enslaved and brought to the islands more than one hundred years earlier.   Native New Yorker and anthropology student Amelia Peazant has always known about her grandmother and mother’s homeland of Dawtuh Island, though she’s never understood why her family remains there, cut off from modern society. But when an opportunity arises for Amelia to head to the island to study her ancestry for her thesis, she is surprised by what she discovers. From her multigenerational clan she gathers colorful stories, learning about "the first man and woman," the slaves who walked across the water back home to Africa, the ways men and women need each other, and the intermingling of African and Native American cultures. The more she learns, the more Amelia comes to treasure her family and their traditions, discovering an especially strong kinship with her fiercely independent cousin, Elizabeth. Eyes opened to an entirely new world, Amelia must decide what’s next for her and find her role in the powerful legacy of her people.   Daughters of the Dust is a vivid novel that blends folktales, history, and anthropology to tell a powerful and emotional story of homecoming, the reclamation of cultural heritage, and the enduring bonds of family.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Audiobook

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2021

Reviews

[Tamyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and soul read others like it. I liked the mix of storytelling and the historical fictionness of it. Didn’t see the movie but this book made me interested in it

[Caia_In_Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young anthropology student and New Yorker Amelia Varnes travels to Dawtuh Island to learn more about the Peazant family history. After visiting kin and their neighbors, each "lie" (story) they tell adds new layers to Amelia's research as she slowly discovers more than what she knew she needed as well as some frightening reminders of the past.

This novel blended the main story with a collection of short stories told by a large cast of characters. There was such a strong, connecting fiber to each of them that, despite the uniqueness in the way they were told, they fit together so well.

I loved the characters, especially Amelia, Elizabeth, and Iona. And I enjoyed the theme of this girl from the city coming to the marshlands of the south to uncover her family's roots and the battle she had within herself about whether or not to keep the stories close to the heart. Amelia was a complex, empathetic, and persistent fish out of water with her own flaws but willingness to learn. Easy character to root for.

[Jennifer Pruett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating view into the new (to me) culture of the Gullah Geechee people on the islands off Georgia and South Carolina. These areas were extremely remote, reachable only by boat well into the 20th century, so the people were very isolated and self-sufficient, retaining much of the language and culture of their enslaved African ancestors.
Following the colorful Peazant family, we watch protagonist Amelia leave NYC with a grant to write her thesis on the island people, hoping to learn more about her own origins and family. Her mother is a Peazant, but moved north with her husband and mother-in-law for better opportunities. This book is a sequel to author Julie Dash’s very successful movie of the same name, which featured the Peazant family on their last day together before many left and moved north (including Amelia’s mother, etc). In this book, we get much more of the back-story of many of the lives of the movie characters, and better understand who they are and what shaped them. We also follow them forward into who they have become and what life choices they have made.
The characters are very real and very compelling. I had trouble putting this down. It took a while for me to adjust to the dialect spoken by the characters; that was hard at first. As I adjusted, it enhanced the different and unique culture and people portrayed. This book is a treasure! I wish there were more.

[Dosha (Bluestocking7) Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Usually the book comes first, then the movie. I saw the movie when it first came out. I tried to understand what I was watching. I sat up and paid close attention. And at the end, I was lost a little bit. Okay, I was VERY lost. I felt like I had been too far removed from my own history and would always know that I am missing a part of myself. Then the book came out! What a surprise, I was very glad. Everything was made clear. What an enjoyable, educational and emotional ride! I loved every single minute. The narrator made me believe there must have been more than one person narrating, she is outstanding! I am going to get something else that Ms. Bahni Turpin has narrated just to hear her do her work again. No one else could have pulled this off as well. BRAVO 👏🏾

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about the Gullah-Geechee people who live on the South Catalina Sea Islands. These people have kept many of their African customs and stories alive. Amelia Peasant’s family left the island and moved to New York. As an anthropologist student, she is given an opportunity to go back to the island and learn about her family. She hears stories of the creation, slaves walking back to Africa, and family stories. Amelia and her cousin, Elizabeth, also find their voices to tell their own stories.

[Lisa Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book about the Gullah-Geechee culture to which we were introduced on our trip to Georgia and South Carolina. The story has wonderful, multi-generational characters who have dealt with the most painful parts of our history-- which we must know and must face. With all its pain, it is a beautiful and uplifting story of how people learn about and come to terms with the past, and learn to live in the present.
It is a picture of a beautiful, vibrant, resilient culture. I loved this book!

[Patricia Boyd Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing Historical View

I started this book with some skepticism as to whether I would like it. So many books are stereotypical in their approach to black history. I love that this book described the differences in ancestral culture, language, and worldview with an anthropological slant. Still there were multifaceted characters. It's a love story. It's a story about family dynamics. It's a profound look at slavery and survival. I only wish there was a sequel.

[Sha'Quanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a New Yorker whose lineage is woven so deeply in South Carolina, I wish I could give this book more stars. The author approaches this story with grace and such beautiful imagery. An absolute gem.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get through this one. The text is mostly written in the gullah geechee dialect that made it difficult to read with fluency. Also, there are many characters, mostly related and the lineage was hard for me to keep straight.

[Sandra Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

learning of another life

The author does a great job of representing a culture unknown to many. I enjoyed the read about them and their island.

[Patricia Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking to experience the life of the Gullah Geechee, then this is the book for you. The story is set on the life of one Gullah Geechee family on Dufuski Island, South Carolina.