The Water Dancer

Thanks to everyone who braved the rainstorms to join Adrian as she moderated Ta-Nehisi Coates’ debut into fiction, The Water Dancer. Most of us had read Coates’s before both individually and collectively - NCBC reviewed We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy as our January 2018 Book of the Month.

The majority of the attendees admired the author’s depth of research and inclusion of so many historical events which provided justification and motivation for character actions and decisions. The subtle and overt themes concerning the power of memory/remembrance, the importance of activism and resistance, the strength of family, etc resonated within the pages. Some mentioned it being a bit wordy with a slow start, but eventually became immersed in the story and wanting to see how things were going to play out despite the intensity of the subject matter.

Our Thoughts and Ratings

NCBC Group Rating: 3.8

Lara - 4: Enjoyed Coates's writing style. Although there were slow moments, would read the novel again.

Natalie - 3: Found it to be an interesting read. However, felt like Coates built up the phenomenon of "conduction" without using it effectively.

Davita - 4: Enjoyed the book. Like the characterizations. Found the story plausible despite fantasy elements. The fantasy elements made it unpredictable but enjoyable.

Chanell - 4: Enjoyed the book. Was pulled in easily buy the story. Wished that more people were able to be "conducted." Coates painted a vivid picture of the inner-workings of The Underground. Found the character of Sophia and her spirit of independence compelling.

Phyllis - 4: Thought The Water Dancer was a great fictional debut for the author. While not endeared to any of the characters, loved the historical and political aspects of the novel. It “showed” the cruelties, insanity, and inhumanity of the institution without being too heavy-handed (probably to make it more palatable for all audiences). The romantic portions of the novel did not resonate with me, seems like an afterthought and were a distraction. Was disappointed that he seemingly didn’t use his “gift” more often. Loved the cover!

Syreeta - 4: Loved the superhero/Sci-Fi aspect of the novel. However, he painted himself into a corner with the Sci-Fi angle. There has been no restorative aspect to the way our country has addressed slavery; thus telling the story from a Sci-Fi angle can been seen as trivializing a painful part of history. Enjoyed it when Coates touched on African folklore and wished that more would have been included in the novel.

Adrian - 3.5: Felt that the writing at the beginning of the book was verbose, causing it to be a very slow read. However, the story eventually picked up and I found much of it enthralling. Enjoyed this historical telling and Coates's diligent study of antebellum/Civil War history shone through. While Harriet Tubman's feats are legendary, I did not enjoy the attribution of the accomplishments to the supernatural as it somewhat downplays her arduous work.

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