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Salvage the Bones

A Novel

by Jesmyn Ward

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Page 3 of 3

There are currently 17 member reviews
for Salvage the Bones

Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)

Salvage the Bones
Jesmyn Ward uses extensive detail in the writing of her book, and this leaves the reader with a good feeling for the poorness of the people, the texture of the area around Bois Sauvage, Mississippi, and the pain inherent in some personal relationships. However, this extensive detail also interfered with the story for me. I felt the writing was at times disjointed, and I had a hard time getting into the book, and a hard time forming an attachment with the characters.

Also, the grittiness of some of the interactions, and the grimness of some of the scenes involving the dogs bothered me.

Beth M. (Scarsdale, NY)

Far from perfect
Set in Bois Sauvage, Mississippi in the days before Hurricane Katrina hit, it's a portrait of a poor rural family trying to survive in the best ways they can. The writing is poetic and the brutal realities are conveyed with a beautiful, raw power. The story is told in the voice of Esch, a fourteen year old girl who's desperate for love and kindness in a life filled with emptiness. Her brother Skeetah satisfies his needs for a loving connection with his violent pitbull who kills the puppies he births. Overall, the book didn't work for me. The story was often confusing to follow and there was little chance for redemption or a glimmer of light. After 260 pages, I hoped there would be some change or an expanded vision. This is not a book I would recommend.

Donna Oregon

Salvage the bones
I looked forward to reading this book. I felt the topic was one that I would enjoy,but I was very disappointed. The writing was disjointed and the story lagged. None of the characters drew me to them and if they had I might have had a different reaction to the book. I am sure I was also unable to identify the dog fighting emphasis in the story.

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