61 pages • 2 hours read
Praisesong For The Widow
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Grenada • 1980s
1983
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall, Avey Johnson, a wealthy 64-year-old widow from New York, impulsively abandons a Caribbean cruise early and travels to Grenada after experiencing a series of unsettling events, including a dream about her great-aunt and an overwhelming feeling during a meal. In Grenada, she learns about the Carriacou Excursion and, following memories of her late husband and their past life, joins the islanders’ traditional Big Drum dance. This journey prompts her to reconnect with her heritage, leading to a profound spiritual and cultural awakening.
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
1,476 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and rich cultural exploration. Critics laud the poignant, introspective journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it's celebrated for its profound narrative and deep emotional impact on themes of heritage and identity.
Who Should Read Praisesong For The Widow?
Readers who appreciate Praisesong For The Widow by Paule Marshall enjoy character-driven narratives exploring cultural heritage, identity, and personal transformation. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and Toni Morrison's Beloved will find similar emotional depth and rich, evocative prose.
1,476 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jerome Johnson
Jerome Johnson
Avey's late husband, referred to as Jay, who worked diligently to improve their living conditions and became consumed by the pursuit of material success, leading to a change in his demeanor.
Thomasina
Thomasina
A slightly older travel companion of Avey's, known for her light skin and past as a dancer at the Cotton Club, whose interactions with Avey highlight societal issues surrounding colorism.
Clarice
Clarice
Avey's travel companion and long-time colleague, who is the youngest of the trio and carries the weight of personal hardships, reflecting on themes of colorism and self-image.
Marion
Marion
The youngest child of Avey and Jerome, originally unplanned, who becomes significant for her contrasting views with Avey on civil rights and cultural heritage.
256
Novel • Fiction
Grenada • 1980s
1983
Adult
18+ years
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