OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is my first book written by Angela Flournoy. It is her sophomore novel, ten years after her award-winning, The Turner House (added to TBR). Hopefully, she continues to write beautiful stories.
I absolutely loved this book because I really connected with the four main characters, who feel lost, uncertain, and adrift during their 20s and 30s. This novel explores societal themes, including social media, identity, and the pressures of growing up in the digital age. Most especially, the fear of failure and the angst of adulting during a recession, 9/11, the pandemic, and Black Lives Matter are highlighted.
My favorite bonus is that it is set in my hometown of Los Angeles and Southern California.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing is stunningly beautiful! That is all that needs to be said.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The four main characters are Desiree, January, Monique, and Nakia (friends from various points in their lives).
The secondary character is Danielle (Desiree's estranged sister).
The tertiary characters are assorted friends, family, lovers, partners, husbands, boyfriends, coworkers, and other folks in the main and secondary characters' storylines.
Angela writes about each main character's point of view as if they are right in front of you, with intriguing backstories and full character development. Be still, my bookish heart!
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This book is very unique. It is not chronologically organized, with random years going forward and backward in time. Additionally, each chapter includes the four main characters individually or in various groupings. The beautiful chaos of this novel matches the confusion of the characters' 20s and 30s. Perfection!
This may not be everyone's type of storyline, but it really worked for me as I inhaled this novel.
The primary locations were Los Angeles and New York City.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This beautiful book showcases the chosen family experiences of four unique Black women born into the Millennial generation. The novel specifically focuses on about twenty years in their lives from 2008 onward.
It was very relatable to me, even though I am not a digital native (thank God!) and am about twenty-five years older than the characters. Some of their experiences could have been mine, but I am not sharing!
The homages to Octavia Butler were beautiful and powerful.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
It was meh to me.
Book title: 5.0 stars
So perfect!
Highly recommend
Book Club Girl gifted: eARC/ebook
The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy
386 pages
Mariner Books
FUTURE release date: 9/16/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Abandonment, violence, gun violence, alcohol, drug use, death of a parent, sexual situations, death, sexual assault, police violence, misogyny, and strong cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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