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The Perishing
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
10 posts | 14 read | 13 to read
A Black immortal in 1930's Los Angeles must recover the memory of her past in order to save the world in this extraordinarily affecting novel for readers of readers of N. K. Jemisen and Octavia E. Butler. Lou, a young Black woman, wakes up in an alley in 1930s Los Angeles, nearly naked and with no memory of how she got there or where she's from, only a fleeting sense that this isn't the first time she's found herself in similar circumstances. Taken in by a caring foster family, Lou dedicates herself to her education while trying to put her mysterious origins behind her. She'll go on to become the first Black female journalist at the Los Angeles Times, but Lou's extraordinary life is about to become even more remarkable. When she befriends a firefighter at a downtown boxing gym, Lou is shocked to realize that though she has no memory of ever meeting him she's been drawing his face since her days in foster care. Increasingly certain that their paths have previously crossed--perhaps even in a past life--and coupled with unexplainable flashes from different times that have been haunting her dreams, Lou begins to believe she may be an immortal sent to this place and time for a very important reason, one that only others like her will be able to explain. Relying on her journalistic training and with the help of her friends, Lou sets out to investigate the mystery of her existence and make sense of the jumble of lifetimes calling to her from throughout the ages before her time runs out for good. Set against the rich historical landscape of Depression-era Los Angeles, The Perishing charts a course through a changing city confronting racism, poverty, and the drumbeat of a coming war for one miraculous woman whose fate is inextricably linked to the city she comes to call home.
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SW-T
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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Pickpick

Not a quick and easy read, but thought provoking and contemplative. Liked the concept of a black immortal trying to trace her own history.

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marleed
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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Pickpick

I saw the poor ratings on this so went to goodreads and read some 5* reviews to set a positive stage for my experience. Well, nice try. I like the MC as Lou in 1930s LA, and I was very intrigued by the history in that time and place. I didn‘t understand the time travel aspects until it was too late. I also think I should have come away with some new perspective on the last crazy few years in America, but that was lost on me too.

Megabooks Those shelves!! 🤩🤩🤩 3y
peanutnine @Megabooks I agree! Those shelves are so pretty 😍 3y
marleed @Megabooks @peanutnine Oh thank you. I own a fraction of what I use to possess, but I do indulge in one spare bedroom (reading room!) full lined with IKEA Billy shelves. Well, and fully stocked. 3y
66 likes1 stack add3 comments
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NikkiCureton
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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Pickpick

Thought provoking. Spanning an extensive timeline and several lives, this book is at once challenging and timely. The author weaves current events, phrases, values, arguments, beliefs into the past and future in a way that makes the reader ask if anything ever changes or if anything new ever happens. It‘s worth reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Jilly6183
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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Mehso-so

So well written and such an interesting premise, but a whole lot of nothing happens. Sometimes abstraction makes a story soar. Here, it made the story fall flat.

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KatieDid927
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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Mehso-so

The Goodreads reviews for this book aren‘t great, and I get why. The premise of multiple lives and reincarnation is interesting, but the author doesn‘t do anything remotely interesting with it. It all felt pointless. Anyone looking for that type of storyline might want to check out Alex Landragin‘s Crossings instead. I felt it was much more successful and impactful. #BotM

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TracyReadsBooks
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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Pickpick

Not much happens in this beautifully written book about a Black immortal who wakes up in 1930s Los Angeles without remembering much of her past or who she really is. It nevertheless managed to hold my attention. I think that‘s because the story is populated with interesting characters, the premise is intriguing, & the writing really is THAT good. Bottom line, I didn‘t mind the languid pace of the book, liked the characters, and enjoyed the story.

BennettBookworm Gorgeous cover! 3y
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blurb
TracyReadsBooks
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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The cover on tonight‘s book is really eye-catching. 😍

quote
KadeLexical
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon

"The point is," Mr. Hill said, "We have to engage in our world or the world will only show you who you are. Or what you expected.”

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blurb
magyklyXdelish
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
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This is the first month in a while I didn‘t go with a thriller but the Perishing sounded too good to pass up. As for the add on, I‘ve long been a fan of the movie but have never read the book. ♥️

review
amma-keep-reading
The Perishing: A Novel | Natashia Deon
Pickpick

I am docking 0.5 stars for lack of closure. I have so many questions. I need to know the backstories of the others. Please tell me, this is NOT a stand alone novel.

Shoutout to a book-friend who's review of the book bumped it up on my TBR. And thank you to @netgalley & @counterpointpress for sending me an ARC.

And applause and appreciation to @natashiadeon for this masterpiece. Your writing is gorgeous, poignant, thoughtful and provocative.