Conjure Women by Afia Atakora Review

I’ve wanted to read Conjure Women for a while now. It just happened to fit this month’s Uncorked Librarian Reading Challenge, so I grabbed it up. It’s beautifully written, but left me wanting more. Let’s get to it.

Told in dual timelines, before and after the Civil War, Conjure Women follows a mother and daughter with a talent for healing. Miss May Belle, and her daughter Rue, know all of the secrets of the women in their community. It all comes to a head at the beginning of the war and the birth of an accursed child. The townspeople begin to fear the conjure women.

My Thoughts on Conjure Women

I loved the writing style of the author. It was so lyrical and moving. Her descriptions were excellent.

I also loved the dual timeline narrative. I like seeing Rue as an adult, but then getting glimpses of her past through Miss May Bell’s timeline. Rue is also an unreliable narrator. She leaves parts out of the narrative. It all came together at the end.

Overall, the structure of the book was great, but it lacked in a few important areas. I hoped for more detail on the actual healing aspect. There were some quick glimpses of root work, but it never delved any deeper.

Conjure Women is a beautifully written book with an important message. I just wish there had been a little more depth. It just left me wanting more.

My Rating: 3/5

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