Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson is a powerful story with a compelling central character in Ebby Freeman. When Ebby was just ten years old she witnessed her brother being shot and killed as part of a robbery, a trauma that has followed her and the rest of her family to the current day. As the only Black family in their wealthy gated estate they never expected their life to be upended in this way. Time passes and the media frenzy abates but the crime remains unsolved, the only possible motive being an attempt to steal a valuable stoneware jar that has been in the family for generations and which was broken on the day of the shooting. Ebby has moved on with her life but her fragile sense of security is shattered all over again when her fiance abandons her on their wedding day causing her to flee to France and a friend's cottage. The last thing she expected was her past to find her there but when it catches up with her she finds herself reevaluating her family and their history helping her to find a connection to the past she thought was lost forever.
This is a book that really makes you care about the characters and their history, I found myself captivated by their stories and learning about a part of American history that I know very little about. While the book is absolutely character driven there is also an element of mystery as we, along with Ebby, slowly uncover the truth of what happened on that fateful day all those years before. There are multiple timelines at play and the story is told through the viewpoint of several different characters making for very propulsive storytelling that definitely keeps the reader engaged and the pages turning.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Good Dirt weaves through generations of the prominent Freeman family. With the historic elements portraying the pottery craft of African Americans, it was interesting to hear the art /pottery today is worth so much. The novel was steeped in so much history but it was fresh and immersive.

Covering multiple perspectives you get to see years of the poignant family history, and it keeps the pages turning. With it being a bit of a mystery, family drama, historical, this novel has everything any reader would be looking for. (Not to mention the loveable characters!)

I loved Black Cake, but I think I love Good Dirt even more. Will definitely be following Charmaine Wilkerson’s next book releases. Thankful to have authors exposing the truths from history. The family heirlooms and stories must be told and shared to never forget.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charmaine Wilkerson has another masterpiece on her hands. The story is about a clay jug made during slave times that is passed thru multiple generations as a family heirloom and a piece of American history. Narrated from multiple time frames and views to tell the story. Each time frame you are taken back in history, as well into more recent time and read how they are all entangled. The story really moved me. Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. (Historical fiction, some romance and crime included)

Wow! Good Dirt was another winner from Charmaine Wilkerson. Told in both current time as well as many generations before, we learn the history of the Freeman family and how their history affects all the members of the current day story. Ebby's progress of moving forward, survivor's guilt, lost love and finding herself brought her to a small village in France. Big twist while she's there, which I won't reveal! Loved learning about the pottery trade and background story of Old Mo.

Link to review coming soon.

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC! This was an enjoyable read, I really liked the dual timeline, especially learning so much about the pottery and Willis’ experiences along the way of becoming a free man. While the book was interesting, it did feel a bit slow at times with a lot of jumping between characters. However, it was well written and the family dynamic felt so real. All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a side of multigenerational family stories.

Another amazing read by Charmaine Wilkerson, honestly I will read anything she writes. She writes with such nuance. I loved everything about this book, the travels through the timeline and the history woven into the fabric of the story. Ebby and Henry's situation is awkward, sweet and sometimes laugh out loud funny. Keep writing Ms. Wilkerson, you have a lifelong reader!

This is the story of a fascinating family told through the generations. Ebony (Ebby) and Henry plan to marry but the ceremony is called off suddenly. Ebby's brother, Baz was murdered and their sacred pot, "Old Mo" was shattered. Vacillating in time between 1843 and 1999, the novel shows the families strengths as well as their weaknesses as they keep secrets, make new lives for themselves, and often regret the decisions they have made. But family is always the strongest when they bond together and this is Wilkerson's strength: the ability to show the many sides of families as they navigate the tragedies and the successes of a family who love each other when it's believed all is lost!

Charmaine Wilkerson excels at writing family dramas with complicated dynamics and Good Dirt is no exception.

The book is separated into two timelines that are tied together by a family heirloom, a pottery piece nicknamed "Old Mo." I've never cared so much about a clay jug in my life. In the present day timeline Ebby has just been left at the alter and flees to France to escape her trauma. Ebby is also from a well known black family who were the center of media attention when she was young because a break in at their family home ended with the murder of her brother. The past timeline features her family's history both as enslaved people who made pottery and following their freedom.

I always enjoy the historical pieces of dual timeline books and enjoyed getting to know the characters in Ebby's family history. While I enjoyed these sections I have to say that I found Ebby's timeline to be more propulsive and suspenseful. There were sections of this book that I could not put down because of how Wilkerson weaves a bit of mystery into her books.

There were a couple of aspects of the book that kept them from being a five star read for me. The first is that there are so many different points of view that it was hard for me to get emotionally invested in any one person's story. The second is that at times I felt like the book was having an identity crisis between trying to be a historical mystery or being a coming of age story where Ebby overcomes her traumas to find her place. These two issues tied together made the book feel convoluted at times.

That being said I felt the overall theme of the book was that it takes multiple perspectives and voices to write history and without any one of them "history" can be changed. The way Charmaine Wilkerson delivers on this theme is well crafted and executed. Overall I find myself drawn to her books and when I am reading them I do not want to put them down. I'll continue to seek out more from this author!

First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏽

Easily 5 🌟s for Charmaine Wilkerson’s second novel “Good Dirt” - hands down. The moment I received this copy in my hands I immediately went into devour mode. I won’t even begin to compare it “Black Cake” because this story stands on its own. Impeccably and beautifully written, this is sure to be the Book of the Year for 2025, no doubt about it.

This story intricately intertwines the story of “Ebby” Ebony Freeman and how the grief and loss of her older brother, Baz, tragically at a young age, changed her prominent family for decades to come. Much like Wilkerson’s debut novel, she does such an exquisite job of weaving historical history of the Freeman family - surrounding an heirloom turned family member, “Old Mo”, an ancestral pottery piece with infinite stories to tell.

We follow the journey of Ebby through adulthood, her parents, her lover, her extended family - all things that changed after that fatal day they lost Baz. I absolutely loved how the author delicately addressed the topic of loss and grief, turning it into a story of hope.

THIS WAS CHEF’S KISS and I’m so sad it’s over. 🥹 You’ve done it yet again, Wilkerson! 👏🏽👏🏽

"Good Dirt" by Charmaine Wilkerson is a powerful, multi-generational exploration of grief, resilience, and identity. The novel follows the affluent Freeman family as they grapple with the trauma of a devastating loss—the murder of their son Baz two decades earlier—and the complex legacy of their history, symbolized by "Old Mo," a family heirloom passed down for over 150 years. The story unfolds through the perspectives of Ebony Freeman, the sister who witnessed Baz's death, and the voices of other family members, past and present.

Wilkerson masterfully intertwines the family's present-day struggles with the haunting echoes of their past, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The Freemans’ experiences delve into themes of systemic racism, generational trauma, and the unspoken burdens carried by African American families with rich histories, yet who are often seen only through the lens of their race.

The novel’s greatest strengths lie in its nuanced characters and vivid storytelling. Wilkerson’s prose is evocative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of family, identity, and healing. While some readers may find the numerous perspectives and serendipitous connections overwhelming, others will appreciate the richness these layers bring to the story. The ending, though neatly wrapped, is poignant and satisfying, leaving readers reflective about the enduring bonds of family and the resilience of the human spirit.

"Good Dirt" is a deeply moving tale that honors the untold histories woven into the fabric of America. With its intricate narrative and profound themes, this book will stay with readers long after the final page.

Good Dirt tells the story of the Freemans, an affluent black family who are still processing the trauma of their son’s murder 20 years earlier. The majority of the book takes place after Ebby, who was the lone witness to her brother’s murder, is jilted at the alter by her fiancée. The book shifts back and forth in time, from present day Ebby, to Baz’s murder, to following the story of “Old Mo,” a piece of pottery that has been in the Freeman family for a hundred and fifty years and binds them to their past.

There were so many elements of this story I enjoyed. I especially appreciated the discussion about what it meant for the Freemans to be a black, affluent American family with a rich American history, but to still be viewed as black first and foremost. The main characters are well developed and the story of Old Mo’s creation is engaging and heartbreaking.

I was excited to read Wilkerson’s follow up to Black Cake, and while I was intrigued by the premise and wanted to love this book, it just didn’t quite come together for me. There were too many secondary characters and far too many serendipitous events. And while I appreciate a tied up ending, everything was wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

In Good Dirt, Charmaine Wilkerson weaves a poignant and powerful tale of love, loss, and resilience that spans six generations of the affluent Freeman family, shedding light on the unspoken histories and enduring bonds that shape their lives.

The story centers around the family's beloved heirloom and the tragedy that befell them, masterfully piecing together the fragments of their past to reveal its profound impact on their present. Wilkerson's evocative prose brings to life the complex tapestry of the Freemans' experiences, laying bare the deep scars of slavery, racism, and heartbreak yet illuminating the brilliance of their strength and unity.

Through the eyes of her characters, Wilkerson dives deep into the interconnectedness of their lives, unearthing hidden histories and the power of untold stories. This is a narrative not just of hardship, but of the transformative healing that comes from confronting the past and embracing the truth of one's heritage.


Wilkerson's writing is breathtaking, her words resonating with the painful beauty of a shattered and mended legacy. "Good Dirt" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Freeman family, and a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love and resilience can rebuild what has been broken.

This novel will leave readers moved, reflective, and hopeful. With its vivid characters, evocative storytelling, and unflinching examination of the past, "Good Dirt" is a triumph of contemporary literature that will linger in the hearts of all who read it.

This was an amazing novel. Thanks to the writing, I instantly felt a connection to the characters. I couldn’t put this book down.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Good Dirt. I enjoyed this book because it was unlike other books I’ve read about slavery. (And it wasn’t just about slavery.) I liked that it was a modern day story about a family with trauma with the stories of their past to help them through it. The writing was wonderful (as I expected after reading Black Cake). I also liked the different perspectives of everyone involved in the tragic event in the story. There were so many voices!
Great book!!!

Wilkerson does it again. The correlation between real-life family dynamics and mystery flow freely in this novel. There were so many moving pieces to this story. An unsolved murder, a missing heirloom and a family weighed down by grief and confusion. I can say that I truly connected with the characters in this book and some of their pain mirrored my own growing up. While very different from Black Cake, I would highly recommend this one.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Random House - Ballantine
Pub Date: 1-28-25

Thank you @netgalley, @randomhouse, and @charmspen1 for this eARC.

I was instantly hooked. The story flows seamlessly between past and present. I felt invested in each storyline - and couldn't wait to find out what was written on the bottom of Old Mo:

"They are the words that Moses wrote after Betsey lost her life. They are the words that Willis saw before he decided to make a run for freedom. They are the words that Ebby’s dad showed to her mom on the day that he led her into his family’s library."

Where to start?

Multiple timelines . . .

An unsolved murder . . .

Family trauma . . .

A bride left on her wedding day . . .

Enslaved ancestors inspiring future generations . . .

The importance of oral history . . .

Moving forward . . .

"She and her brother haven’t forgotten what the jar represents. Who made it. Where it comes from. How very old it is. Their father, and his father before him, have made sure of that. But in their home, they don’t treat the jar like it’s an antique. They treat it like a member of the family."

Old Mo, a jar crafted by an enslaved ancestor and passed down through generations of the Freeman family, is shattered during a home invasion that results in the death of 15 year old Baz.

Ebby, the only witness to her older brother's death, lives with this trauma for decades. Her notoriety is only compounded when her fiancee leaves her - without a word of explanation - on their wedding day.

Ebby's father is keeping a secret from his wife and daughter. Old Mo also has a secret to tell - an inscription on its base that is alluded to throughout the story.

How will Ebby move forward with her life?

"Maybe all you can do is give yourself permission to embrace the rest of your life. To play, to love, to risk."

#gooddirt #charmainewilkerson #randomhouse #netgalley

Good Dirt is a stunning portrayal and study of long-form grief and loss that lasts a lifetime. This is the first work from Charmaine Wilkerson that I have read, but this novel makes it clear that she is a master of story creation as well as subsequent storytelling. The way history was delicately intertwined with the present was grounding and simply flawless. I don’t think I have ever highlighted so many passages in a work of fiction before. But it isn’t really fiction, is it? These stories are a part of all of our histories. And sharing the history in the stories is always important because of the freedom that comes from sharing experiences.

Ebony Freeman and her family are never described as a wealthy New England family, although that is what they are; “People saw their skin, not their history.” White people expect black people to hold their hand while they continue to do the labor of explaining how much of the country’s history is tied to the blood, sweat, and tears of their ancestors. There also continues to be intense victim-blaming of oppressed peoples and an expectation for them to answer for their misfortune as if they are the ones to be held responsible. This book made me think a lot about generational trauma and the way the experiences of our ancestors are knitted deep within the fabric of our DNA.

So often is the history of African-Americans dismissed and forgotten when their history is a vital part of the story that created the United States. Wilkerson states eloquently that white people “continue to be surprised at African American achievement, even though it’s all around us. Even though it’s always been there, holding up society at every level.”

I loved how this book explores every aspect of the story Wilkerson crafted. Every character is given a voice. It feels all-encompassing of the human experience and how different life can be for everyone, while also being so similar. There is something for everyone in this book. There were so many moments I felt like I was being written to directly; my story was being displayed and loved all the same. As Wilkerson writes, “These stories are part of the complex fabric of this country. History, too often, has been told from only certain perspectives. This is not good enough. History is a collective phenomenon. It can only be told through a chorus of voices. And that chorus must make room for new voices over time…”

I could write pages and pages about this book. It was so intricate and there were so many layers of wisdom and value to dissect. But I will leave it at this: I am very excited for the book to be shared with the world. It is an important one. It is about the love and hope that can come out of the unspeakable. Human nature is to persist. No matter the circumstance, “THE MIND CANNOT BE CHAINED.”

The Freeman family are prosperous, loving, and living in a wealthy Connecticut town. They happen to be the only family there who isn’t white. When tragedy strikes, they are thrust into the spotlight and forced to live their trauma in public.

Ebby is 10 years old and playing hide-and-seek with her older brother, Baz, when armed masked men come in and confront him. They are looking for the family heirloom, Old Mo, a jar created in the mid-1800’s by an enslaved person. The jar accompanied a relative to freedom and breaks during the robbery. The men also shoot and kill Baz, which sets the stage for the book.

The grief of losing a child and brother is one of the prevailing themes of the book – how each family member handles the loss differently. Each one also feels guilt over the loss, even though it was out of their control.

Years later, Ebby is left at the altar without explanation by her wealthy white fiancée and is right back in the society pages. After that humiliation, Ebby decides to spend some time in France at a friend’s rental property. Just when she starts clearing her head, her former fiancée and his new girlfriend show up on vacation.

The story of the Freeman family is woven seamlessly with the past. From a woman captured in Africa and her life in captivity to the man who learned to sculpt and created the jar. The Freeman family begins when Willis escaped slavery with the jar by stowing away on a ship headed north. Wilkerson does a fantastic job of bringing a rich, hopeful, and tragic family history to life. She explores grief and mental health in real and
powerful ways.

I highly recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for providing an ARC for my honest thoughts.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

There are several stories going on at the same time in this novel. The relationship of Ebby and Henry, the molding and value of the family clay jar and heirloom “Old Mo,” and the tragedy of a lost loved one.

The highly accomplished New England Black family, the Freemans, struggle throughout the story to deal with the loss of their son/ brother Baz. There is a lot of description of family history going back to slave times as well.

All the family secrets held for years are revealed in the end tying loose ends together. The main idea is the letting go of the people and things we love. It’s three stars for me as there is just too much unnecessary repetition of certain scenes, but it is a good story overall.

From the author of Black Dirt, this second book by the author is authentic, eloquent, and a touching multi-generational story. Ebby was witness to a family tragedy when she was only 10 years old. Her older brother was murdered, and an heirloom pottery jug lay shattered on the floor next to him.
As an adult, Ebby has more life events to figure out, and she decides to spend an extended period of time in France. She begins to write the story about the family pottery, and introducing the reader to those family members in her past who demonstrated great love and bravery.