I truly enjoyed reading this book - the experience of reading itself was made joyous due to the the author’s prose, which is very impressive and controlled. For me, it often read like poetry, and in general the style was great. In addition to style, the characters are vivid, and the whole scenery just feels alive. I never write spoilers, but a takeaway from the book is that it is set in 1950s (in a fictional Black community called Rattlebone) in Kansas - but it truly also resonates and reflects on today’s society as well. In a way, it is a coming-of-age story where we follow Irene/Reenie Wilson and her experience. It is like an observed collection of her thoughts and life, by the haunting sense of space and time as well. She is of course not the only character, and the emphasis on family and friends is very much present as they all navigate through life - with all of its tragedy, and violence at times but as well as hope and love present being as well. Though the story’s exact location is fictional, the reader can really feel they are in Kansas, and I loved those references too. It creates an atmospheric experience, which I think wonderfully balances out the fact that the story is not plot driven, but rather a collection as said before. As the character is an aspiring writer, it is also a nod to the craft of writing - another major favourite aspect of mine. This publication by Daunt Books and the cover design are I think absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend this book.