Gushing Over Dominion: A Must-Read for Every Book Lover
Let me just say, Dominion by Addie E. Citchens is a revelation, and this review is my love letter to a book that truly lives up to its hype. I mean, can we talk about how exciting it is when a debut novel not only meets expectations but soars far beyond them? My friend Michaela often says that no one should get a book deal before the age of 35, but if Citchens is any indication, I might start rethinking that stance. This book simmers with a depth and richness that feels almost like it’s been slow-cooked to perfection, and I found myself savoring every page.
At the heart of Dominion is the Winfrey family, a household steeped in the dual pressures of patriarchy and the unrealistic expectations of upward mobility. Citchens crafts her characters with a sharpness that allows them to leap off the page. I could practically feel Diamond tugging at my heartstrings while simultaneously wanting to shake some sense into her. She nails the complexity of eroding mental health amidst familial pressures with lines like, “People rarely just snap and do crazy shit. What looked like a snap to other people was actually an erosion of the surfaces that we built up for protection” (163). It’s a perspective that resonates deeply, reminding us that the consequences of these “snaps” ripple far beyond the individual.
Citchens’ writing is a beautiful tapestry of eloquence and raw honesty. Her ability to weave poetic phrases and “complimensults” into dialogue is nothing short of delicious. The pacing flows effortlessly, drawing you deeper into the lives of her engaging characters, all while shedding light on themes that many of us are familiar with yet often fail to discuss openly—like the burdens placed on Black men and the expectations that women are somehow expected to shoulder in silence.
As I read, I couldn’t shake the desire for more—more of Diamond, more of Wonderboy, more of this intricate world with all its nuances. It felt like she could have easily filled 500 more pages with this rich exploration of their lives! One standout moment was when First Lady muses on community complicity: “Was the kind of woman who made her boy accountable better and braver than me? Naw…it would definitely be easier to sweep his transgressions under the rug than allow ours to be brought to light” (145). That line hit hard, as it encapsulated a truth many can identify with.
Culture plays a significant role in Dominion, and I love how Citchens transports us to a world that feels both intimate and universal, capturing the struggles of Black Southern life without leaning into caricature. You can almost hear the cadence of life in the South through her words. The layers she creates make me think of Gloria Naylor—certainly a conversation worth having.
Ultimately, Dominion is not just a story; it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of familial relationships and societal expectations. I believe this book will resonate with anyone seeking a thoughtful narrative on the struggles of identity and personal freedom, especially within the Black community. If you’ve ever felt the weight of tradition suffocating your spirit, this book is for you.
As I close the final pages, I’m left in awe of Addie E. Citchens and her remarkable talent. The stakes she unpacks are as relevant today as they ever were, and I can’t help but think about the ripples her words are bound to create. This is a book that deserves to be read and discussed, and I encourage you all to dive in. You won’t be sorry!