Solemn

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Praise

“Solemn is a thought-provoking and powerful novel about a girl who sees what she shouldn’t and is forced all too soon to learn about betrayal, loss and the precariousness of love. Kalisha Buckhanon is a writer of great imagination and boundless empathy. The writing style is poetic and the use of Mississippi dialogue, both black and white, is masterful. Solemn is a haunting story that keeps pages turning until the end.”- Jonathan Odell, author of The Healing and Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League

“Reading this story, I found it difficult (though ridiculously unfair) not to think of Toni Morrison’s first novel, “The Bluest Eye,” not only because “Solemn” is told in a similar, fragmented style but also because both center on young, black girls wounded by the actions of those closest to them.” –novelist Kim McClarin for The Washington Post  full review>>

“Buckhanon memorably depicts the difficulty of Solemn’s situation, but as she attempts to move forward, Buckhanon also gives readers glimpses of hope. This standout novel is anchored by its vulnerable and brave heroine.” –poet Tara Betts for Publisher’s Weekly full review>>

“Kalisha Buckhanon has no problem taking readers into the lives of those we often pass by. Take her searing new effort, Solemn.” –Essence Magazine full review>>

“This work earns a place alongside James Hannaham’s Delicious Foods as top-notch literary fiction sending a message about African-American struggles in the 21st century.” –Library Journal  full review>>

“Buckhanon crafts a hypnotic tale…cast against the hardships of everyday life in Singer’s Trailer Park, a young girl’s troubled thoughts make for a heartbreaking story of broken promises.” –Kirkus Reviews  full review>>

“The story’s compassionate tone and rich characters will recommend it to fans of family fiction and Buckhanon’s earlier work.” –Booklist

“An emotional and expressive novel about family, obligation and community. This twisting, expressive coming-of-age story not only offers readers a young girl’s experience of seeking her place in the world, but also illustrates the struggle of life in the rural South.” –Bookpage  full review >>

“A searing story…fueled by emotion.” –Bustle

“In this lyrical, haunting coming-of-age story, Solemn struggles to find identity and a way forward in the face of poverty and disenfranchisement.” –The University of Chicago Magazine

“Solemn is a topical and timely exploration of the way one vulnerable African-American girl living in a trailer park in Mississippi navigates the world around her.” –Citizen-Times  full review>>

“Solemn is a beautifully written, poetic novel.” –Pride Magazine UK

“If the book’s riveting cover of a wild-haired girl with layers of pine trees and shining light from a silvery trailer don’t draw you in, then Solemn’s plight to experience the world beyond her Mississippi community will.” -Deep South

“In Solemn, American Library Association Award-winning author Kalisha Buckhanon crafts a story of a wise-beyond-her-years Mississippi girl’s search for self and truth.” –Hello Beautiful  full review>>

“Solemn is written in lyrically beautiful, poetic language…the story starts off with a traumatic event that successfully weaves its tendrils throughout the rest of the book.” –RT Reviews  full review>>