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1 awardUS

Sing, Unburied, Sing

by Jesmyn Ward

Years Won

2017

Awards

1

Regions

US

Categories

1

Award History

Summary

"Sing, Unburied, Sing" follows Jojo, a thirteen-year-old boy navigating life in rural Mississippi. He grapples with the complexities of family, race, and the legacy of trauma. Jojo's mother, Leonie, struggles with addiction and is often absent from his life. The story unfolds as the family prepares for a road trip to pick up Jojo's father from prison. Jojo is haunted by the spirits of the past, particularly that of a young boy named Richie. The narrative interweaves the perspectives of Jojo, Leonie, and the ghosts. Themes of memory, loss, and the search for identity are prevalent throughout. The Mississippi setting serves as a backdrop for the family's struggles and connections. The novel explores the impact of history on the present. Ultimately, it examines the bonds of family and the ways in which the past shapes the future.