Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel

Jesmyn Ward novel Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel, is a very conventionally successful novel which highlights a community which often does not have a “voice” in the wider world.  Ward is strong writer, and knows how to exploit the form of the novel.

I suppose I am a bit disappointed by the multiple voices for each chapter.  There is not much of a difference in tone or sentiment from voice to voice (although what they express is mostly profound and moving).  I would have also liked a lighter touch on the multiple ghosts that inhabit this novel.  The theme is not lightly used, and gets cumbersome toward the end.

With all that, this novel is still a tantalizing read.  Ward delivers a strong work.