Book Review: ‘An Unkindness of Ghosts’ by Rivers Solomon

Book Title: An Unkindness of Ghosts
Author: Rivers Solomon
Publisher: Westland IF
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-9360451158
Date Published: Jul.29, 2024
Price: INR 374

Book Review

Rivers Solomon’s “An Unkindness of Ghosts” is a profound and immersive novel, set aboard a generation ship, Matilda, where a deeply segregated society mirrors the horrors of the antebellum South. The lower decks are inhabited by Black and brown individuals subjected to brutal oversight, while the white upper deckers control resources, comfort, and religion. Through the eyes of Aster, a neurotypical and gender-nonconforming healer, readers are drawn into a world both brutal and tender, where survival is intertwined with hidden knowledge and personal rebellion. Solomon’s stunning world-building and rich social commentary make this novel both a powerful dystopia and a reflection on historical injustices.

Talking about the story is Aster’s quest to uncover the secrets surrounding her mother’s death and the failing power source of Matilda. Aster’s unique connection to the ship’s Surgeon General, Theo, a light-skinned outsider like herself, offers her rare opportunities to explore the ship’s deeper mysteries. Solomon’s portrayal of Aster is masterful, as she navigates both physical and emotional landscapes, uncovering clues about her mother’s past and the ship’s darker truths. The intricate details of life aboard Matilda, from dialect differences to cultural norms, create a textured backdrop for Aster’s journey.

What makes “An Unkindness of Ghosts” particularly striking is its exploration of identity, gender, and the trauma of enslavement. Solomon deftly illustrates how rigid social structures dehumanize, while Aster’s character provides a counterpoint of resilience, compassion, and unrelenting curiosity. The nuanced depiction of relationships—especially the fraught friendship between Aster and Theo—adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Solomon also offers a brutal yet honest portrayal of how oppression breeds cruelty even among the oppressed, while still allowing space for hope and tenderness.

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The novel’s ending, while abrupt, leaves readers with a sense of unfinished business, mirroring the open wounds of both past and present injustices. The precision and beauty of Solomon’s prose elevate the novel, leaving a lasting impact. Though not a book that provides easy comfort, “An Unkindness of Ghosts” is an essential read—an antidote to false narratives and a call for introspection and change. It is a story of survival, reclamation, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of systemic oppression.

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