Daughters of the Dust: A Novel by Julie Dash
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Book Reviews of Daughters of the Dust: A Novel
Book Review: MOVING
Summary: 5 Stars
Daughters of the Dust is a very moving, mystical journey full of haunting imagery and simple pleasures. It is the story of Amelia, an anthropology student, who has to decided to study the people of Dawtah Island as her thesis. Dawtah Island has been a mystery to her for as long as she can remember. Her mother and grandmother were born on the island. Her grandmother seems to despise everything about the island especially the people and their ignorant and backwards customs. In direct contrast her mother's fondest memories are of her life on the island, she remembers being truly happy there. Amelia has only visited the island once and was in awe of the simplicity of life there. It is decided that Amelia will live with Eula and Eli, her aunt and uncle, while she studies the culture and customs of the island. Initially she finds the residents of the island reluctant to talk to her. They consider her an outsider and fear she will not understand them. As the islanders become more familiar with Ameila they begin to open up and share their stories with her. Through their stories she realizes their culture is rich in customs; they live in harmony with the animals and elements. They live a simple life but they control their own destiny and revel in life's simple pleasures. Their stories also tell of the joys of love and heartaches of lost or unrequited loves.
Reserve a couple weeks to read this one, it's a "ponderers" delight.
Book Review: AWESOME!
Summary: 5 Stars
I arrived late to this book. It is more than ten years old and I feel as if I just missed a friend who had waited for me as long as they could, but had to leave. I've always been curious about the surviving tribes of Afrika (I chose to spell it that way)that live off the coast of South Carolina. I've often wondered what sets them apart from the rest of us. What made them so different? Now, I know. The book was fascinating. The story was beautifully written and I was entertained as well as educated. I loved the "old" ceremonies and the "lies" (which I believe)that actually gives Afrikan people living in this country a look into their history. Our people have always had strong belief systems and these have survived. They are alive and well today. I would encourage anyone that has read this book to follow up with other books that will let us see the history of our people without judgement and the ability to live and survive independently of outside factions. A triumphant and informative work of literature.
Wow...the "Geechees". I'll be seeing you soon.
Book Review: The Gullahs
Summary: 4 Stars
Daughter's is about a Gullah family, the Peazants, and neighbors on the barrier island on the Georgia & South Carolina coast. The primary characters are Eli Peazant, Eula Peazant, Elizabeth Ayodele Peazant, Cousin Amelia, and a host of eclectic characters.
The story is primarily coming from the prospective of the oldest daughter and first child of Eula and Eli, Lil Bet(Elizabeth).
The Gullahs/Geechees are unique AA communities. During slavery, they were distributed on all the barriers islands, which are isolated from the mainland. There were numerous Africans from various nations and ethnic groups from West and Central Africa.
The whites abandoned the islands because the mosquitoes were making a feast of them and malaria was kickin' their butts. So they left overseers and managers to work the Africans(property), beat the Africans, and pretty much whatever they wanted as long as it was profitable and insured their wealth. As a result Africans were able to maintain much of the their culture, unlike the mainland Africans, who were exposed to white society and live in close and intimate proximity to them.
Amelia is the grand daughter of Haagar and the daughter of Myown. Her mama and grandmama left the island some years ago, and Amelia doesn't know too much about them. Before she ventures there as an adult she has a very negative perception of them. She has an opportunity to go the island and research for her dissertation. This is an opportunity to become acquainted with her family who still abide by many of the old African ways and traditions. She was completely out of touch with her heritage
The backdrop of the story is Ibo Landing. Ibo Landing is AA folk tale of how the Ibos(Southeast Nigeria - Bight of Biafra) formed a ring(ring shout) and called down the Great Spirit and flew/or walk back to Africa after getting a brutal beating from the overseer. Another variation is that they drown themselves after a brutal beating for not working fast enough or doing it wrong. A cat-o-nine tail(whip) was one of the whites' favorite torture tools for Africans.
I highly recommend this book. It is a pleasant read and takes your mind to another world.
Question of the Day?
What is your basket name or nickname, and do you know why you were given it? Elizabeth's is Lil Bet. During slavery parents weren't allowed to give their children names. Your child wasn't yours. It could sold off at will or the parent(s) could be sold away. The slave master assigned names. So the family gave their children secret names to be used for the family and close family friends(like family). This tradition still continues throughout Africa America. However, most of us don't know why we have the nicknames or how it came to be. It is just something we do. I don't believe too many have thought why. What is your
Book Review: This was a mesmerizing book.
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was one that I enjoyed very much and read quickly. I couldn't put it down! I originally purchased this book because my family and I visited St. Helena Island, a Sea Island with much Gullah tradition, last year and loved it. I thought this book would be a way to learn more about the culture of the Sea Islands and get a good story out of it at the same time. It turned out to be so much more than that. Julie Dash does a masterful job of weaving Amelia's story into those of her mother and grandmother who have left the Island and moved to New York City to escape the "backwards" island culture. Amelia comes to love and appreciate her family and the rich heritage of her ancestors. This book was enriching both from a literary and cultural standpoint. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good "coming of age" novel.