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Ring Shout

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Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark is a horror fantasy novella set in the 1920s American South, where the Ku Klux Klan is portrayed as both literal and metaphorical monsters. The story follows Maryse, a young black woman with a magic sword, as she battles these demonic entities disguised as Klansmen. The book seamlessly integrates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror to address themes of racism, hate, and fear during the time of Jim Crow. The narrative is fast-paced, blending cosmic horror with social commentary, creating a unique and compelling story that explores the darkness of human nature.

Clark's writing style in Ring Shout has been praised for its vivid imagery, strong characterization, and powerful narrative voice. The novella delves into the depths of racism and prejudice, offering a fresh perspective on the historical events of the 1920s through a fantastical lens. The book's blend of action-packed sequences, cultural significance, and social commentary makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and humanity.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed women, each showcasing distinct skills and personalities, contributing to a strong narrative of camaraderie and resistance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and richly layered, using vivid imagery and dialogue to evoke both historical context and the emotional weight of the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately blends historical events with supernatural elements, focusing on the resurgence of racism sparked by cinema and the Klan's evil dealings.

Setting:

Set in 1920s Georgia, the story emphasizes the cultural and socio-political context of the time alongside supernatural elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is rapid, keeping readers engaged with fast-moving action and quick developments throughout the story.
There’s a bunch parading down Third Street, wearing white robes and pointed hoods. Not a one got their face covered. I hear them first Klans after the Civil War hid behind pillowcases and flour sacks ...

Notes:

Ring Shout is set in 1922 Georgia during the Prohibition era.
The novella features a supernatural twist on the Ku Klux Klan, portraying its members as actual monsters called Ku Kluxes.
D.W. Griffith, the director of The Birth of a Nation, is depicted as a sorcerer who uses the film to unleash hate.
The main character, Maryse Boudreaux, wields a magical sword that is guided by the spirits of ancestors.
The story blends horror with African American folklore and cultural elements.
Three main characters, Maryse, Sadie, and Cordy (Chef), work together as resistance fighters against the Klan's evil forces.
The novella addresses themes of racism that remain relevant today.
Ring Shout was nominated for multiple awards, including the Hugo and Nebula.
The narrative weaves in historical events like the Tulsa Massacre and the rise of the Klan in the early 20th century.
Clark incorporates Gullah culture and dialect into the story, showcasing African American history.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Ring Shout include body horror, depictions of racism, and violent imagery related to racial terror and violence.

From The Publisher:

Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark returns with Ring Shout, a dark fantasy historical novella that gives a supernatural twist to the Ku Klux Klan's reign of terror

"A fantastical, brutal and thrilling triumph of the imagination...Clark's combination of historical and political reimagining is cathartic, exhilarating and fresh." -The New York Times

A 2021 Nebula Award Winner!

A 2021 Locus Award Winner!

A 2021 Hugo Award Finalist!

A 2021 World Fantasy Award Finalist!

A 2021 Ignyte Award Finalist!

A 2021 Shirley Jackson Award Finalist!

A 2021 AAMBC Literary Award Finalist!

A 2021 British Fantasy Award Finalist!

A New York Times Editor's Choice Pick!

A Booklist Editor's Choice Pick!

A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist!

A 2020 SIBA Award Finalist!

Featured on the 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Shortlist!

Named a Best of 2020 Pick for NPR | Library Journal | Book Riot | LitReactor | Bustle | Polygon | Washington Post

IN AMERICA, DEMONS WEAR WHITE HOODS.

In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan's ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die.

Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan's demons straight to Hell. But something awful's brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up.

Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?

Ratings (35)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (5)

Reader Stats (97):

Read It (35)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (46)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (14)

6 comment(s)

Loved It
1 week

Not sure if I want to give it 4 stars or 5 stars. But I'll say 4.5 stars. It's really good horror, had me on the edge of my seat and I was truly horrified by those creatures ( the regular ones too tbh). It's only a short novela but P. Djeli Clark is a very skillful writer and it still felt complete by the end. Would most definitely read more by this author!

 
Incredible
3 weeks

This story was well written with detailed descriptions and historical references. The character development was noteworthy.

 
Liked It
3 months

Was not expecting anything when I picked this up. Was very surprised by all that happened.

 
Loved It
5 months

“Who says all the fantasies with sword-wielding heroes and heroines have to be in Middle Earth, Westeros, or even our dreams of Africa past—’copper sun or scarlet sea?’ Maybe they can happen right here, too.” - P. Djèlí Clark

This is the Canon got me thinking about books similar to Octavia E. Butler’s

Kindred, and I immediately thought of

Ring Shout.

Initially, I was hesitant to read

Ring Shout because I worried that introducing an aspect of magic or the supernatural would diminish the real-life experiences of Black people in the United States, but, no, that isn’t the case.

I love the character Nana Jean and the depiction of her Gullah variety of English. I love Maryse’s visions and their symbolic, therapeutic nature. And I love the pushback on traditional savior/hero narratives as

Maryse confronts the cyclops with Chef at her side, fights the Klu Kluxes with her ancestors (direct and indirect), and, technically, Nana Jean and her disciples defeat the rest of the Klu Kluxes, not Maryse

.

Last, there’s an anarchist edge to the book in that Maryse and her allies aren’t adverse to using violence when necessary to protect themselves and their community without playing by the rules of institutions.

Though I was afraid to read

Ring Shout, I’m glad that I did as the book expands the potential of the horror and fantasy genres.

 
Incredible
5 months

great body horror novella. swords and old folk magic in a historical fiction setting. i have never been so upset then subsequentially relieved at the death of a character that i absolutely loved.

 
Did Not Like
5 months

Just not my thing

 

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised mostly in Houston, P. DJÈLÍ CLARK spent the formative years of his life in the homeland of his parents, Trinidad and Tobago. He is the Hugo and Sturgeon nominated author of the novellas The Black God's Drums and The Haunting of Tram Car 015. His short story "The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington" (Fireside Fiction) has earned him both a Nebula and Locus award. Clark lives in Connecticut.

 
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