Book Summary and Reviews of Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

Reader Reviews

Write your own review

Ann E Beman

a multigenerational, historical epic told from multiple POVs
Set in New England, and briefly France, Wilkerson's second novel explores more family secrets, trauma, and identity. With a timeline ranging from 1803 to 2021, Good Dirt is a multigenerational, historical epic told from multiple points of view. Because, "History is a collective phenomenon. It can only be told through a chorus of voices."

The novel's keystone is Old Mo, a 20-gallon stoneware jar crafted by an enslaved man in a South Carolina pottery. For six generations, Old Mo has been part of the Freeman family, an affluent Black family living in a well-to-do New England enclave. Wilkerson deftly ties together the family's and the novel's multiple threads. I'd argue that the threads set in France could have been nixed, but overall, I was drawn in by the characters, plot devices, and history lessons. An engrossing book -- emotional, reflective, medium-paced, informative, poignant, and hopeful -- it would make for excellent book club discussions.

Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for an opportunity to read and share my opinion of this book.

PhyllisE

Page-turning historical fiction
Thanks to NetGalley & Penguin/Random House for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This was a story of family, loss, grief, hope, and healing from Charmaine Wilkerson, the author of one of my favorite novels, Black Cake. Her second book alternates between a few different timelines, including the 1800s and the present day. It’s told from a variety of characters’ viewpoints with shortish chapters that kept the action moving forward and kept me turning the pages.

The multi-generational epic was historical fiction with a mystery, always intriguing, and focused on exploring family secrets, trauma, identity, and freedom.

Told primarily through the growth of main character Ebby Freeman, this is a well-researched portrayal of one family’s history including their ancestors’ time as slaves up to the present day when they are a well-to-do, successful African American family in New England. The author skillfully weaves the past and present to create a memorable and encouraging story of the human spirit.

This would make a great book club choice, as there were so many emotions and experiences that readers are sure to identify with and want to discuss. I also liked the way the author hints at the outcome of one part of the plot, without being definite. (No spoilers)!

Trisha

captivating family drama
This one took me a minute to get into and then I was hooked and wanted to know more!

It's a bit confusing, to start. There are many POV - but the main was is Ebony. She's a grown woman and getting ready to get married. There was a tragedy in her past, her brother's murder, and a famous award-winning photo was taken of her that day, in the midst of her grief, and she's been followed by the press since. So when her wedding day doesn't go as planned, Ebony decides to go away to another country and start to sort some of her family history and her own life out.

I found the many POV a bit hard to follow. There were definite POV I didn't want and it was hard to get through Part 2 because of them. But I did like how the story unfolded, as we learned the history of Mo and how the jar had traveled through the different hands that had held it. The conclusion to the story was gentle and worth some of the earlier heartache.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Other books by Charmaine Wilkerson at BookBrowse