Salvage the Bones

Jesmyn Ward’s Salvage the Bones is an honest and powerful novel that tackles tough issues such as poverty, family struggles and race. Set in Mississippi during the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, the story follows Esch and her three brothers as they cope with their mother’s absence and prepare for what could be the storm of a lifetime.

The novel is told from the point of view of Esch, a strong-willed yet vulnerable protagonist whose inner monologue is both heartbreakingly real and incredibly relatable. Ward paints a vivid portrait of life in rural Mississippi with beautiful language and gripping imagery. The story takes readers on an emotional roller coaster as Esch grapples with her identity, her relationships with her siblings and her struggles to stay afloat amid devastating events.

Salvage the Bones is an important work of literature that speaks to many timely issues, including race, poverty, family dynamics and natural disasters. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for an emotionally charged story about resilience and hope in the face of adversity.