Praisesong for the Widow

By Paule Marshall,

Book cover of Praisesong for the Widow

Book description

From the acclaimed author of Daughters and Brown Girl, Brownstones comes a "work of exceptional wisdom, maturity, and generosity, one in which the palpable humanity of its characters transcends any considerations of race or sex"(Washington Post Book World).

Avey Johnson-a black, middle-aged, middle-class widow given to hats, gloves, and pearls-has…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Praisesong for the Widow as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

A cruise ship is, perhaps, the least likely of all possible venues for the beginning of a spiritual breakthrough. But this is where spiritual transformation starts for Avey Johnson, the 64-year-old African American woman who is the central character in this Marshall novel. Breakthroughs are often set in motion deep down inside us, below the surface of our ordinary awareness. In fact, a real breakthrough can’t happen unless it goes all the way down in us. I know of no book that conveys this truth more effectively.

From Jerome's list on spiritual breakthrough.

Want books like Praisesong for the Widow?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Praisesong for the Widow.

Browse books like Praisesong for the Widow

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Caribbean, Harlem, and cruise ship?

The Caribbean 206 books
Harlem 38 books
Cruise Ship 16 books