The Deep by Rivers Solomon

 

The comps for this book are a little off, imo, because this doesn't really have much in common with Black Panther at all. To me, it kind of feels like Octavia Butler decided to do her own take on The Giver, except with mermaid-like creatures who are descended from slaves.

THE DEEP is a highly speculative and experimental work. I interpreted it as an allegory for how Black people still carry the legacy of pain inflicted upon them during slavery, and the emotional burden that comes from being oppressed by that same societal infrastructure, not to mention being forced to continually justify their existence as well as explain their history to the ignorant-- either to teach, or to further that justification.

Reading this reminded me a lot of my experience reading Akwaeke Emezi's FRESHWATER, another book where I liked the premise more than I liked the actual execution, and which I felt got buried by its experimental nature. AN UNKINDNESS OF GHOSTS and SORROWLAND seem more up my alley by this author, because I really did like their writing if not the story (it felt more focused on the allegorical nature of the story than the world-building or plot). But if you're into stories that are all about the vibes, you might enjoy this more than I did!

2 to 2.5 out of 5 stars