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Rootwork

Book 1 in the series:Conjure

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Rootwork by Tracy Cross is a captivating blend of historical fiction and horror, set in the late 1800s Louisiana. The plot follows three sisters who spend a transformative summer with their aunt, a hoodoo practitioner. As they navigate family dynamics and personal growth, they uncover deeper truths intertwined with their heritage, leading to moments of heartbreak and revelation. The storytelling is immersive, evoking strong sensory details that transport readers to the period, making the horror elements both relatable and sinister.

Cross's writing style is rich and evocative, marked by a heavy Southern dialect that enhances the authenticity of the setting. The characters are well-developed, displaying complex motivations and relationships that keep readers engaged. The blend of humor, dark themes, and the exploration of racial issues adds depth to the narrative. Overall, Rootwork is a beautifully crafted tale of sisters bonding and discovering their roots while facing the eerie and the unknown.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional sisters, representing POC with complex relationships and motivations.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features rich, sensory descriptions and a heavy Southern dialect, creating a vivid and immersive experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around three sisters who spend a summer with their aunt practicing hoodoo, leading to personal revelations and emotional struggles.

Setting:

The setting is a richly described Louisiana in the late 1800s, enhancing the story's historical and cultural depth.

Pacing:

The pacing is balanced, combining engaging action with thoughtful character exploration.

Notes:

Rootwork is written by Tracy Cross and involves three sisters visiting their aunt who practices hoodoo, not voodoo.
The story is set in Louisiana during the late 1800s, specifically in 1899.
Rootwork combines elements of horror, historical fiction, and family dynamics.
The book explores themes of racial justice and the implications of racism, tying these themes into the horror elements of the story.
The characters are portrayed as multifaceted, making for a relatable reading experience.
The author uses vivid descriptions to create an immersive setting, utilizing sensory details like smells and touch.
Rootwork is a novella and is part of a series, with the sequel titled A Gathering of Weapons coming soon.
The dialogue features humor and is structured using a Southern dialect, enhancing the authenticity of the setting.
The book features African American hoodoo traditions prominently, adding cultural significance to the narrative.
Readers often describe the story as reminiscent of classic YA horror from the 70s and 80s.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes around racism and potentially graphic descriptions related to horror and tragedy.

From The Publisher:

The year is 1889.

Set in a small Louisiana parish, deep in the segregated South, Rootwork follows school-age sisters, Betty, Ann, and Pee Wee during one life-changing summer when the three of them head off to stay with their hoodoo-practicing aunt, Theodora, a powerful woman feared by the local townspeople. She teaches the girls the secrets of her craft, like how to make "hot foot powder" and how to whip up some "goofer dust" to get back at an enemy. The girls delight in their harmless hoodoo adventures until a tragic event involving the town's racist sheriff promises to change their lives forever.

A story of love and redemption, Rootwork explores the strength of family and the darker side of the heart.

November 2022
181 pages

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (5)
 
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