(Reviewed by JD Jung)
1872 -Yemaya, who now lives in Cuba, is well known for possessing healing powers inherited from her Nigerian Yoruba Orisha lineage. Her eighteen-year-old daughter, Oya, as the Orisha of storm, wind and weather, also possesses intense abilities. Though unintentional, her powers can be quite destructive. Because of this, Yemaya sends Oya to New Orleans to stay with the legendary Voodoo queen, Marie Laveau, in hopes of helping her control her powers, and use them for good.
The Wind on Her Tongue takes Oya from New Orleans through Texas to San Francisco. Along her journey, she not only struggles with honing her powers but also faces the harsh realities of racism and classism in post-Civil War America. She meets people from other cultures who are also fighting violent prejudice. The story skillfully weaves historical figures into its narrative, including the infamous outlaw Jesse James, abolitionist and entrepreneur Mary Ellen Pleasant, and industrialist Lew Hing. These encounters ground the novel in historical authenticity while adding depth to Oya’s personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The author’s storytelling is both engaging and mesmerizing, with beautifully descriptive prose that brings the settings and characters to life. The blending of historical fiction, romance and spiritualism adds a unique and compelling layer to the narrative. Through Oya’s experiences, the book highlights the struggles of marginalized communities in the late 19th century, making it both a powerful and thought-provoking read.
This is the second installment in a series, following Shallow Waters, which focuses on Yemaya’s story. Though I haven’t read the first book yet, The Wind on Her Tongue stands strongly on its own, leaving me eager to explore more of this world.
