Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson is an immersive multi-generational family saga that traces a family’s legacy to an heirloom rich with history where they draw hope and resilience during challenging times.
Synopsis
The Freemans are an affluent Black family residing on the New England coast and are pillars of their community. Unfortunately, a tragic crime alters their family when their teenage son Baz is murdered during a home invasion with their daughter Ebby witness to the crime.
This crime received much attention from the press but the culprits were never brought to justice leaving the family to struggle with their heartbreak and trauma. They’ve since tried to lead a life of obscurity avoiding public scrutiny but an unfortunate event launches them back in the public eye.
Ebby unable to handle the attention and struggling with her past seeks refuge in France only to find that her past has followed her forcing her to confront it headfirst.
Throughout these circumstances, Ebby and her family will navigate the painful truth of what they’ve lost while reflecting on their history as seen through a family heirloom.
Content 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I highly enjoyed following the Freeman family’s bountiful history through a cherished family heirloom. I appreciated how their past revealed key characteristics of their family morals and values and the foundational principles of who they are.
My favorite themes explored in this novel are the impact of grief and trauma especially as it pertains to Ebby witnessing her brother’s murder and how it impacted her life. Second was how history can have an impact on a family especially concerning slavery and racism.
Wilkerson beautifully details how slavery and systemic racism impacted the Freeman family throughout history. And while they were able to achieve financial success and live in the best neighborhoods there was still the continual issue of justifying their belonging in these spaces and places typically reserved for whites.
Writing Style🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
One of my favorite elements of this story was that it was written in a multi-pov which allows the reader to see the full story from a variety of perspectives. Thus, creating a richer, more immersive novel.
Additionally, I enjoyed how the historical elements of this story were explored via the family heirloom. It felt like it was its own individual character. Seeing how it created a rich backstory detailing how the jar was used throughout generations to instill pride, hope, and inspiration.
Wilkerson’s prose was elegant and rich with powerful emotion. And, it stirred me to connect with the storyline, the characters, and the themes of this novel intimately. Making this a powerful read for me.
Readability🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The combination of compelling content and beautiful writing style created an engaging reading experience in which I was eager to spend time engulfed in this novel. It maintained a medium pace and balanced the plot and character-driven elements succinctly.
Plot Development🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story is primarily driven by character-driven elements to explore the themes of grief, family legacy, how a history of slavery and racism impacted a Black American family, racial identity, the power of storytelling, and the importance of forgiveness and healing.
Each event and circumstance characters were put through provided an in-depth look into these themes. And, all characters experienced beautiful growth and self-discovery creating a poignant and impactful conclusion where storylines were interwoven excellently.
Characters🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The characters in this novel were well-developed and stunningly dynamic. Their actions, beliefs, and behaviors aligned with their characterization and we could visibly see how they evolved throughout the novel healing their problematic flaws.
My favorite character is Ebby as she’s such a wonderful strong woman full of grace and resilience despite her trauma over losing her brother. While it’s true her trauma colored much of her life and led her to being somewhat sheltered in her relationships and stuck in limbo where she hadn’t fully moved on following her loss.
She still enforced her boundaries and knew how to prioritize her mental and emotional health with people in her life. Additionally, she didn’t let anyone treat her any old kind of way. When you showed her your true colors she accepted you at face value and while she could forgive you it doesn’t mean she’ll let you back into her life. It was refreshing to see such a strong female character.
Furthermore, I loved the Freeman family’s relationship dynamics. While they were not perfect their relationship with each other was beautiful. They looked out for each other and allowed space when necessary. And, they weren’t overbearing trying to force their will on one another there was a sense of open-mindedness where they allowed each other the space to pursue their passions and be themselves.
I also loved they celebrated their family history and kept the art of oral storytelling where they often reflected on stories from their family history.
You can see the pride and strong sense of self-identity that developed within the family giving them the confidence and courage to pursue great things.
Would I Recommend It?
For readers that enjoy multi-generational family sagas that explore shared family trauma, the impact of slavery and racism on a Black American family, and how storytelling and a family heirloom can build resilience and strength within generations you’ll eat this book up!
