Rita Woods’ debut Remembrance is a complex story of loss and survival told across 200 years by four women, united by the color of their skin and the supernatural powers they command. It’s an ambitious, absorbing novel that’s occasionally let down by lengthy exposition and frequent jumps between points of view. Right away, we meet two intriguing present-day characters who provide some valuable hints about where the story’s going: Gaelle, a Haitian refugee, is a nurse’s aide at the Stillwater Care Facility in present-day Cleveland, Ohio. She’s formed a bond with resident Jane Doe, an old woman who doesn’t speak, has no visitors, and no identity — until a stranger visits and calls her Winter. Gaelle also learns she and Winter share a mysterious power over heat. Back in 1857, sandy-haired Margot and her younger sister Veronique are slaves alongside their beloved Grandmere, a healer, whose wisdom about herbs and poultices endear her to Mistress Catherine; the slave owner promises to free
The Y'allywood Reporter
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