Jess’s Reviews > On Sundays She Picked Flowers > Status Update

I loved this! This novel is an incredibly written story about identity, life values, & complex relationships between women. I liked how, in the end, Jude acknowledges Ernestine as her sister, more so than her mother. I think that’s healing for her, but also a thoughtful acknowledgment since Ernestine was forced to be a mother. I enjoyed reading about the fluctuations in Jude & Nemoira’s relationship; I love-

I had a feeling that Nemoira was secretly the bear beast. Jude’s feelings of craving Nemoira’s companionship but also desperately needing her own space were relatable. Balance is key! I liked all the weird, gorey meals they have. There’s also gore in the form of self harm. I’m not entirely surprised that Nemoira was gifting Jude with meat from human hunts. I mean, this started from her wanting to eat Jude

-in a way that doesn’t feel tedious. Additionally, based on clues from the narration & interactions between Vivian & Phyllis, I theorize that Jude was born from abusive incest. I think her grandfather is actually her father as well. I can sympathize with Jude’s mother, but it ofc doesn’t excuse all the abuse. But it’d also explain why Nessie’s sisters assume Jude has an inherent “bad nature”

-supernatural woods & haints. Southern/Black American folklore is underrepresented in fiction; as a mythology & folklore liver, I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience more of it! I somewhat recently played South of Midnight, which also featured haints & complex family dynamics. I appreciate how the author delved into the action immediately. The exposition/context for the setting/characters has been done-

I’m hooked on this; the writing is lush & evocative. The story is tragic, heart wrenching, & repulsive; but it’s done with care & in a way that feels true to human nature. This is a coming of age tale where Jude will (hopefully) process her trauma & embrace her strangeness. This seems to be, thus far, a great exploration of generational & systemic trauma. I also like what we’ve seen so far of the-