61 pages • 2 hours read
Paule MarshallPraisesong For The Widow
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall, Avey Johnson, a wealthy 64-year-old widow from New York, impulsively abandons a Caribbean cruise early and travels to Grenada after experiencing a series of unsettling events, including a dream about her great-aunt and an overwhelming feeling during a meal. In Grenada, she learns about the Carriacou Excursion and, following memories of her late husband and their past life, joins the islanders’ traditional Big Drum dance. This journey prompts her to reconnect with her heritage, leading to a profound spiritual and cultural awakening.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and rich cultural exploration. Critics laud the poignant, introspective journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it's celebrated for its profound narrative and deep emotional impact on themes of heritage and identity.
Who Should Read Praisesong For The Widow?
Readers who appreciate Praisesong For The Widow by Paule Marshall enjoy character-driven narratives exploring cultural heritage, identity, and personal transformation. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and Toni Morrison's Beloved will find similar emotional depth and rich, evocative prose.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
African American Literature
Historical Fiction
Magical Realism