Marianne’s Pick of the Week: Daughter of the Merciful Deep

“Knowing when to keep something close and when to let go is what living’s about.”

Like Leslye Penelope’s previous novel, Monsters We Defy, this is a work of magical realism set during within 20th century events. However, unlike that first novel which is set in an urban environment,  Daughter of the Merciful Deep is set in rural Tennessee. Penelope leads us through the events that led to the erasure of historically black communities by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) damming of rivers to create lakes and waterfront property at the expense of those thriving communities. 

Jane, a woman rendered speechless by the infliction of trauma in her youth has her life turned on its head by the reappearance of her sister who left home ten years ago (and who is now pregnant).  Jane has worked to create a balanced life for herself. She spends her time investigating all the happenings in her town. The appearance of her sister and the TVA men intent on flooding her town to create a dam is wreaking havoc on Jane. One evening she catches a glimpse of Rob, a man who all thought was dead (and had been engaged to her sister) walk into the river. When she sees Rob three days later she knows something is afoot. After speaking to him, Jane learns of an Atlantis-type realm where displaced Africans (slaves, other people from erased communities) live on islands created by the joining of che’ (a community’s spirit).  To save her town, Jane must use this knowledge to unite her community.  We eventually find out what really happened to Rob; Jane recovers her powers of speech and rescues her community.  Jane learns that she has to let go of the past; forgive herself and get on with living her life.  

We meet a cast of colorful characters including a Jane’s ancestors, her love interest and other town folk.  The portrayals of racism are violent and honest. 

Penelope’s genius is taking these real events and weaving in mystical aspects to create engrossing works of fiction.  You’ll want to read this one if you enjoyed Monsters We Defy or The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings. 

Photo by Valerie Bey