Crossing the River
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993
237
Novel • Fiction
Various • 18th-20th Century
1993
Adult
18+ years
Crossing the River by Caryl Phillips is a historical novel focusing on the experiences of three Black individuals during different periods as they face the challenges of being separated from their native Africa: Nash, a slave-turned-missionary; Martha, an elderly woman seeking freedom in California; and Travis, a World War II soldier who fathers a child with an Englishwoman. Sensitive topics include slavery, racism, and death.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Dark
1,217 ratings
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Caryl Phillips' Crossing the River impresses with evocative prose and a powerful narrative, exploring African diaspora through interconnected stories across centuries. Critics praise its emotional depth and historical insight, though some find its nonlinear structure challenging. The novel's thematic complexity resonates, but its fragmented style may alienate some readers.
Ideal for readers interested in historical narratives and the African diaspora, Crossing the River by Caryl Phillips resonates with fans of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and Beloved by Toni Morrison. The novel's intricate exploration of identity, displacement, and resilience offers a profound, multi-generational perspective.
1,217 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
237
Novel • Fiction
Various • 18th-20th Century
1993
Adult
18+ years
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