Plot Summary

Cane River

Lalita Tademy
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Cane River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

Lalita Tademy

Cane River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

543

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1830s-1930s

Theme
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

970L

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Super Short Summary

Cane River by Lalita Tademy is a novel that chronicles the lives of Tademy's female ancestors over four generations, beginning with her great-great-great-great grandmother, who was born into slavery in 1834 on a Louisiana plantation. Through extensive research and imaginative narration, the story follows these women's struggles and resilience in the face of oppression, racism, and social challenges. The novel includes themes of sexual violence, racial discrimination, and colorism.

Melancholic

Emotional

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

51,950 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lalita Tademy's Cane River is praised for its vivid historical storytelling and deep exploration of family heritage, tracing the lives of four generations of African American women. Reviewers appreciate its rich characters and emotional depth. Some critique its pacing and occasional predictability, but overall, it is highly regarded for its cultural and historical significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cane River?

Readers who enjoy Cane River by Lalita Tademy are often captivated by multi-generational family sagas, historical fiction, and explorations of African American heritage. Similar to those who appreciate Alex Haley's Roots and Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing, they seek rich, character-driven narratives that delve into complex cultural legacies.

4.3

51,950 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

543

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1830s-1930s

Theme
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

970L

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