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Praisesong For The Widow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983

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Book Brief

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Paule Marshall

Praisesong For The Widow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Grenada • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.3

1,476 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

1,476 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Grenada • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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