Jesmyn Ward, "Sing, Restless, Sing" Moscow: Corpus, 2024

The novel has received positive, even rave reviews, and has made it onto lists of the best books of the 21st century. It is praised for its tense plot, atmosphere, depth, and especially for its connection to literary tradition. A professor at Tulane University in Louisiana, Ward doesn't hide, but rather highlights, the literary roots of his book. The novel follows the traditions of Southern Gothic, a movement in American literature of the first half of the 20th century. From this tradition, the novel derives its one-story American countryside, colorful characters, and recurring themes: violence, social injustice, racial prejudice—and, of course, a mystical flair. The plot revolves around the journey of less fortunate people, which turns into a journey through both space and time. The multi-voiced narrative of this journey illuminates the secrets of several generations. 

"I wash my hands every day, Jojo. But the damn blood never comes off. I put my hands to my face and I can smell it under my skin."