
Salvage the Bones
by Jesmyn Ward
Approximately 275 pages
This novel captures the struggles and triumphs of a family in the face of adversity.
Difficulty
Moderate
Pace
Measured
Mood
poignant, gritty
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- stories of resilience
- you appreciate rich, descriptive language
- you are interested in Southern literature
Consider another book if
- you prefer light-hearted narratives
- you dislike gritty realism
What it is about
"Salvage the Bones" follows a poor African American family in rural Mississippi as they prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Katrina. The story is narrated by 15-year-old Esch, who grapples with her identity and family dynamics. Esch's father is emotionally distant, struggling with grief after the death of his wife.
Her brothers, Skeetah, Randall, and Junior, each face their own challenges and responsibilities. Skeetah is devoted to caring for a pregnant pit bull named China. The family's resilience is tested as they confront poverty and the impending storm.
Themes of survival, loyalty, and the bonds of family are central to the narrative. The novel explores the intersection of personal and environmental crises. As the hurricane approaches, the characters must confront their fears and uncertainties.
Ultimately, "Salvage the Bones" depicts the struggle for hope amidst devastation.
Award recognition
2011 winner
National Book Award for Fiction
United States · Fiction
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