Conjure Women: An Enchanted Journey Through the American South

Conjure Women: A Novel

by Afia Atakora

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4059 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

In Afia Atakora's captivating debut novel, Conjure Women, history, magic, and the resilience of the human spirit collide in an unforgettable tale set in the Reconstruction-era American South. At the heart of the story are three extraordinary women: Miss Rue, a conjure woman with a deep connection to the natural world; May Belle, a former slave searching for her lost family; and Varina, the wife of Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy.

As these women's paths intersect, they must confront the legacy of slavery, the challenges of freedom, and the enduring power of hope. Miss Rue, a gifted conjure woman, uses her knowledge of herbs and roots to heal the sick and protect the vulnerable. May Belle, a former slave, embarks on a perilous journey to find her lost children, who were sold away during the war. Varina, the former first lady of the Confederacy, struggles to come to terms with the loss of her home and the defeat of her husband's cause.

Through their interwoven stories, Atakora paints a vivid portrait of the American South during a time of great upheaval and transformation. The novel explores the complexities of race, class, and gender, and the ways in which these factors shaped the lives of women during this period.

Miss Rue: A Conjurer with a Deep Connection to the Natural World

Miss Rue is a conjure woman, a healer, and a protector. She has a deep connection to the natural world, and she uses her knowledge of herbs and roots to heal the sick and protect the vulnerable. Miss Rue is a complex and enigmatic figure. She is both feared and respected by the community, and her powers are often seen as both a blessing and a curse.

May Belle: A Former Slave Searching for Her Lost Family

May Belle is a former slave who is searching for her lost children. She was separated from them during the war, and she has spent years trying to find them. May Belle is a strong and determined woman, but she is also haunted by the memories of her past. She is determined to find her children, but she knows that the journey will be difficult.

Varina: The Former First Lady of the Confederacy

Varina is the wife of Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy. She is a proud and independent woman, but she is also struggling to come to terms with the loss of her home and the defeat of her husband's cause. Varina is a complex and contradictory figure. She is both a victim of the war and a symbol of the Confederacy.

A Captivating Novel that Explores the Complexities of Race, Class, and Gender

Conjure Women is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of race, class, and gender in the American South during the Reconstruction era. Through the stories of Miss Rue, May Belle, and Varina, Atakora paints a vivid portrait of a time of great upheaval and transformation. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, the American South, or the experiences of women during this period.

Praise for Conjure Women

"Atakora's debut novel is a tour de force. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving story that explores the complexities of race, class, and gender in the American South during the Reconstruction era. Atakora's characters are unforgettable, and her prose is both lyrical and powerful." —Jesmyn Ward, author of Sing, Unburied, Sing

"Conjure Women is a remarkable novel that is both timely and timeless. It is a story about the resilience of the human spirit, the power of hope, and the enduring legacy of slavery. Atakora is a gifted storyteller, and her novel is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or the human condition." —Isabel Wilkerson, author of The Warmth of Other Suns

"Conjure Women is a stunning debut novel that is both historically rich and emotionally resonant. Atakora's writing is lyrical and evocative, and her characters are unforgettable. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." —Adrienne Miller, author of The Night Traveler

Conjure Women: A Novel

by Afia Atakora

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4059 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE