Publisher’s summary
WINNER of the NATIONAL BOOK AWARD for FICTION
Finalist for the Kirkus Prize
Finalist for the Andrew Carnegie Medal
Publishers Weekly Top 10 of 2017
“The heart of Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing is story – the yearning for a narrative to help us understand ourselves, the pain of the gaps we’ll never fill, the truths that are failed by words and must be translated through ritual and song…Ward’s writing throbs with life, grief, and love, and this book is the kind that makes you ache to return to it.” (Buzzfeed)
In Jesmyn Ward’s first novel since her National Book Award-winning Salvage the Bones, this singular American writer brings the archetypal road novel into rural 21st-century America. An intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle, Sing, Unburied, Sing journeys through Mississippi’s past and present, examining the ugly truths at the heart of the American story and the power – and limitations – of family bonds.
Jojo is 13 years old and trying to understand what it means to be a man. He doesn’t lack in fathers to study, chief among them his black grandfather, Pop. But there are other men who complicate his understanding: his absent white father, Michael, who is being released from prison; his absent white grandfather, Big Joseph, who won’t acknowledge his existence; and the memories of his dead uncle, Given, who died as a teenager.
His mother, Leonie, is an inconsistent presence in his and his toddler sister’s lives. She is an imperfect mother in constant conflict with herself and those around her. She is black, and her children’s father is white. She wants to be a better mother but can’t put her children above her own needs, especially her drug use. Simultaneously tormented and comforted by visions of her dead brother, which only come to her when she’s high, Leonie is embattled in ways that reflect the brutal reality of her circumstances.
When the children’s father is released from prison, Leonie packs her kids and a friend into her car and drives north to the heart of Mississippi and Parchman Farm, the state penitentiary. At Parchman, there is another 13-year-old boy, the ghost of a dead inmate who carries all of the ugly history of the South with him in his wandering. He, too, has something to teach Jojo about fathers and sons, about legacies, about violence, about love.
Rich with Ward’s distinctive, lyrical language, Sing, Unburied, Sing is a majestic new work and an unforgettable family story.
A 2018 RUSA ’Listen-Alike’ for LINCOLN IN THE BARDO
Jeremiah Watson –
The audio production was top-notch, making the exploration of engaging and thought-provoking content very enjoyable. I’m also very happy with the platform itself—it made finding and purchasing this audiobook so simple.
Parker Perez –
I loved how the author presented engaging and thought-provoking content with so much depth and understanding. It was my first time using this website, and I’m impressed by how quick and intuitive the process was.
Angel Jackson –
I found the content to be incredibly well-researched and detailed, particularly around the engaging and thought-provoking content. The quality of the audio was exceptional, and I loved how seamless the whole process was from purchase to listening.
Grayson Cooper –
The narrator did a great job conveying the themes of engaging and thought-provoking content, making it easy to follow. I am also impressed with how well-structured and easy to use the website is.
Ezekiel Nelson –
I appreciated the depth and clarity provided in discussing engaging and thought-provoking content. The process of getting this audiobook was seamless. The site is easy to navigate, and the audio quality is superb!
Landon Nguyen –
The storyline had me hooked, especially with the focus on engaging and thought-provoking content. The website’s service was excellent, from easy checkout to flawless playback quality.
Adrian Chavez –
I found the portrayal of engaging and thought-provoking content to be very thought-provoking. The process of purchasing and accessing the book was also incredibly smooth. Great service!
Ezekiel Kelly –
The way the engaging and thought-provoking content was narrated kept me interested throughout. I must also mention how great the platform’s service is—clear sound and simple navigation, couldn’t ask for more.
Lincoln Walker –
The detailed exploration of engaging and thought-provoking content made it a very enjoyable experience. The interface is so user-friendly, and I never faced any issues during playback.
Liam Clark –
The discussions around engaging and thought-provoking content were informative and really well presented. I didn’t expect such high-quality service on this website; it made everything so easy!
Joseph Morales –
Excellent narration and pacing, making the engaging and thought-provoking content even more immersive. The clear sound and the ease of accessing the book on this platform really stood out for me. Highly recommend both the audiobook and the service!
Leo Hall –
Great experience overall, particularly the way the engaging and thought-provoking content was portrayed. I loved how easy it was to purchase and start listening, and the audio quality was crystal clear.
Daniel Edwards –
Amazing storytelling that captured the essence of engaging and thought-provoking content perfectly. The voice acting added so much depth to the characters, and I was impressed with how smoothly the download went on this platform.
Jonathan Parker –
I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive approach to engaging and thought-provoking content. The narrative really brought it to life, and the smooth playback on the website made it even more enjoyable. Great job!
Adrian Ramirez –
The approach to explaining engaging and thought-provoking content was refreshing and insightful. This platform really provides the best experience—it was so easy to access and enjoy the audiobook.
Mason Cooper –
The balance between detail and entertainment in the discussion of engaging and thought-provoking content was perfect. The seamless experience provided by the platform made listening even better.
Hudson Young –
An insightful listen that provided a deeper understanding of engaging and thought-provoking content. The way the narrator brought the story to life made the experience even better. I also enjoyed the quick and easy navigation on the website—it made everything hassle-free.
Jaxon Flores –
The emotional tone when describing engaging and thought-provoking content was spot on, adding depth to the story. The website also provided a great experience—everything from browsing to playback was straightforward.