61 pages • 2 hours read
Paule MarshallA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
256
Novel • Fiction
Grenada • 1980s
1983
Adult
18+ years
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
1,476 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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
256
Novel • Fiction
Grenada • 1980s
1983
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.