4.5⭐

Charmaine Wilkerson is unparalleled in her ability to weave stories together. What starts as a story of different timelines and characters comes together in this beautiful blend of family history, a horrible tragedy and bit of mystery trying to figure out how they connect beyond their love of an old jar created by an enslaved man. After starting off slightly slow, I could not put this one down. If you (like me) love the books Homegoing and Black Cake, I think you'll love this one too.

I really enjoyed this book. It was part romance, part mystery, part historical fiction. This is the story of Ebby and how she deals with life after a family tragedy. This story toggles between Ebby's present day difficulties and the life of her enslaved ancestors. This book really held my interest. I think it was better then the last book the author wrote. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ACR.

This! This is the five star read I’ve been waiting for! And right when I’m trying to organize my top reads of 2024.😆

Good Dirt doesn’t publish until next month, and is by the author of Black Cake, which is a novel that I really enjoyed. But wow, did I ever love this one. I didn’t want it to end.
It just had all the elements of a great story that I love- excellent writing, so many themes and jumps back and forth from the present to the past. It goes back to the time of slavery in the south, and follows multi-generations after. It was emotional and hopeful, and had a beautiful ending.

I already know I’m going to be that annoying person who jumps into the conversation in every post I’ll be seeing about this book. It’s going on my favourites list for sure.

Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse @penguinrandomca for the advanced copy. Good Dirt publishes on January 28, 2025.

Ed and Soh Freeman both come from families that are Black and successful. They were taught that these two things are not mutually exclusive, despite what the world may think. They passed this lesson down to their two children while raising them in a neighborhood where none of the other residents look like them. And the community they choose to reside in never lets them forget it.

When tragedy first struck the New England residents their only son, Baz, was murdered during a home invasion at the age of fifteen. The truth about his death remains an enigma for the public and whispers still haunt the family over the crime that was never solved. Their daughter, Ebby, was ten at the time and was the only witness. Now in her late twenties, Ebby, has grown from traumatized child to anxiety-ridden adult on the verge of yet another public tragedy.

Just like Charmaine’s debut novel Black Cake, we jump around quite a bit. There are multiple time periods and several characters helping move this story along. At times it can be tedious, but you are rewarded as the answers to questions are peppered in along the way as the author weaves the story together.

Overall I enjoyed my time with the Freeman family. This novel was part multi-generational family drama and part…murder mystery? I still talk about Black Cake after reading it more than two years ago and I think over time my adoration for Good Dirt will grow as well.

I loved every second of reading this book. It will be a perfect book club book for 2025. This was an excellent treatise on how grief stays in your body and affects every part of you, long after the event that causes the grief. But, it was also incredibly enjoyable to read. The history sections were engaging. The current day sections made me want to go to France! The characters are so well written that you feel like they are people you know in real life. I cannot wait for everyone to read this book!

Thank you so much to Random House for the gifted ARC!

WOW- this was absolutely an amazing story! After loving Black Cake so much, I knew this was going to be a winner, but it was so much better than I expected and even better than Black Cake in my opinion; no "sophomore slump" here at ALL!

Charmaine Wilkerson is quickly moving her way up the top of my favorite authors to write family drama. She excels at taking seemingly normal people and items and crafting the most memorable of stories. I was so attached to these characters, especially Ebby Freeman that I never wanted this story to end.

It truly had everything: murder mystery, family secrets, history, romance, family drama, etc, etc.

I would recommend this book to all audiences without a second thought!

Ebby is facing a crisis. Her fiance didn't show up at her wedding, creating a scandal and thrusting her into the limelight...again. She has been there since her brother was murdered in her house, and a priceless heirloom was destroyed.

Ebby leaves her affluent family's home and goes to France to figure things out. Over several months, Ebby will have to dig deep into the trauma of her own life and that of her ancestors to move on.

This was a beautiful story that spans several centuries and is very ambitious. The only thing that stopped the story from being five stars was how it slowed down in the middle. It's worth reading.

In her second novel after “Black Cake,” author Charmaine Wilkerson this time weaves a multigenerational family drama around an object (instead of a recipe). The heirloom is a 175 year old alkaline glazed 20 gallon jar, made by a secretly literate enslaved potter who hid an inscription on this piece of stoneware. The jar had travelled from the old South to pre-Civil War New England and was treasured by an African American family with roots going back to 17th century Barbados. And then it was tragically broken during a home invasion/burglary in 2000 that also resulted in the murder of a 15 year old boy.

The story has two timelines — one about the journey of the jar and the ancestors who owned it and a second story beginning 18 years after that unsolved shooting and subsequent destruction of the heirloom.

Ebony/Ebby Freeman, sister of the murdered teenager, is about to marry Henry Pepper in a high profile wedding, only for him to become a runaway groom. Because of the past, her affluent Black family had been condemned into a true-crime celebrity limbo, and the jilting has put another spotlight on Ebby. Still not being able to reconcile her sudden abandonment and continuing nightmares nearly a year later, Ebby flees to rural France to assist with a close friend’s bed and breakfast for three months. Trying to find some purpose abroad, Ebby decides to write about the family lore of “jar stories” that had delighted her late brother. But, surprise, suddenly Henry and his new girlfriend, Avery, appear for a two week reservation, and an inevitable confrontation between the two people who had intended to get married a year ago occurs.

Wilkerson does a brilliant job weaving the multigenerational stories together, and we get to know Ebby intimately as well as the people whose fates helped form her present day family. There is grief, love, racism, trauma, and mystery in this wonderful, complicated family tale. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO The only eye colors mentioned are Henry’s duplicitous gray eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): YES Pansies, an early spring flower, almost never co-exists with asters, a late summer flower.

Thank you to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Charmaine Wilkerson returns after her smashing success with her debut novel, Black Cake. Known for her evocative and multi-generational storytelling, this novel sits perfectly in her wheelhouse and will be a favorite for readers who loved Transcendent Kingdom and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois. In this new novel, the author themes heritage, trauma, and resilience with a memorable take on the ripple effects of true crime.

The story centers on Ebby Freeman, who, as a child, witnessed an unspeakable act of violence against her brother that altered the course of her life and shattered her family's tranquility. Decades later, the echoes of that day still reverberate, not just in the scars left behind but in the enduring mystery surrounding the shattered pieces of a treasured family heirloom.

This stoneware jar brought North by an ancestor who endured unimaginable hardship encapsulates Ebby's lineage, harboring secrets that could help her move forward. Readers are taken through sweeping turns as this stoneware exchanges hands, where Wilkerson masterfully balances past and present.

What I loved about this was the unexpectedly thoughtful exploration of what it would be like to be the first Black family to move into an affluent New England neighborhood. We also have pure escapism to the cobbled streets of France, where Ebby seeks solace and distance from the relentless public scrutiny that comes with the echoes of the true crime case that has intrigued the world.

Wilkerson's signature lyrical prose captures the lingering impact of generational trauma and the unyielding strength of familial bonds. There is no denying that the research Wilkerson did on the rich history of African pottery overshadows any of the plot hiccups for me. Her background as a journalist exploring the trauma of being a headline news topic, in particular, is done with great care.

It certainly would have been easy for her to lean into the same vein of flash fiction writing that we came to appreciate in Black Cake. But readers can expect a more straightforward timeline, making it a more accessible story to follow that I think new readers will gravitate toward. This novel will be a massive hit with book clubs! I can’t wait to read it with you as our March book club selection.

After loving Wilkerson's debut "Black Cake" in 2022 1 couldn't WAIT to get my hands on her newest novel!
Now that l've read "Good Dirt" I can confidently say Wilkerson really knows how to write a good story.

"Good Dirt" is a layered story with multiple characters and viewpoints shared throughout the book. The chapters were short; however, I struggled to get into the story at the beginning. I really connected with Ebby's character right away but it took a bit more time to feel as connected to some other characters. Nonetheless, once the stage had been set and all the characters were introduced, I couldn't wait until the finish to see how it all came together!

This story is a slow burn, literary coming of age story interwoven with a little mystery and American history. I really enjoyed how Wilkerson balances the past and present to reflect on difficult topics such as grief, trauma, racism, and family history. I thought the ending was really powerful with a beautiful take home message. Overall this was another excellent book from Wilkerson I think historical fiction lovers will really enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Charmaine Wilkerson's novel "Good Dirt" is a poignant exploration of family, legacy, and the deep-rooted connections we share with the land. Through its rich narrative and evocative prose, Wilkerson crafts a story that resonates on multiple levels, drawing readers into the heart of its characters and their intertwined histories.

"Good Dirt" follows the lives of a multi-generational family as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their rural existence. Wilkerson masterfully balances the present-day struggles with glimpses into the past, creating a tapestry of events that shape the family's identity. The pacing is deliberate yet captivating, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding drama and the beauty of the landscape.

Wilkerson excels in creating deeply human characters whose journeys are relatable and profound. Each family member is rendered with authenticity and nuance, their voices distinct yet harmoniously interwoven. The emotional depth and growth of the characters, especially as they confront buried secrets and personal dilemmas, make for a compelling and heartfelt read.

At its core, "Good Dirt" delves into themes of heritage, resilience, and the symbiotic relationship between people and the land they inhabit. Wilkerson's writing is lyrical yet grounded, painting vivid images of the rural setting while also delving into the complex emotional landscapes of her characters. The novel’s meditative quality invites readers to reflect on their own connections to family and place.

"Good Dirt" is a testament to Wilkerson's ability to weave a rich and multi-layered narrative. The novel's exploration of personal and collective histories, coupled with its stunning depiction of rural life, makes it a standout work in contemporary fiction. It's a story that lingers in the mind and heart, urging readers to consider their own roots and the legacies they will leave behind.

For readers seeking a deeply moving and beautifully crafted novel, "Good Dirt" is a must-read. Charmaine Wilkerson’s keen insight into human nature and her evocative storytelling create an unforgettable reading experience. This book is a celebration of the enduring bonds of family and the timeless connection to the land, making it to any literary collection.

🏺If you like multi-generational family dramas you’ll definitely want to add this to your 2025 TBR. It comes out January 28th. Thank you to @randomhouse for the sneak peek. This is by the same author as previous bookstagram darling ‘Black Cake.’

🏺 Wow. So off the bat, what really hit me hard here was the importance of storytelling in Black culture. This was a clear depiction of why families place such value on handing down their stories generation after generation. I found that part of the story to be the most impactful on my heart. It also made me think a lot about when slavery ended and what that looked like for a craftsman who could read versus a field worker who could not, and how that could impact families for generations (and still does today). While those were my biggest takeaways — there are a ton of smaller, more subtle themes and lessons as well.

🏺 Mixed in with these really major thoughts and ideas is a more focused story about a woman who experiences trauma at a young age and how that impacts her own personal life, as well as her relationships. There’s a TON of personal growth for her, and a lot of characters, in this book and I really appreciate all their journeys.

🏺 Ultimately, I liked how this story was structured— mixing in present day, flashbacks and stories spanning hundreds of years. Though, I will say, it was an absolute pageturner to start and then there were parts where the momentum slowed quite a bit. At first, when I saw where the ending was going to focus I thought I would be bored but I ended up really liking it and thought it brought that storytelling theme full circle. I thought it was VERY powerful.

🏺 I did take issue with a few small details but they’re spoilers so feel free to jump in my DM’s if you want to discuss. There’s soooo much in these pages and I don’t want to give it all away but I do think it’s a great one to chat about with friends. I’m thankful @readingthroughatlanta organized a buddy read and I think this would be a FANTASTIC pick for a book club. Do you plan on picking this one up?

Ebony "Ebby" Freeman has experienced great love, loss, and tragedy in her 30 years. When she was 10 years old she witnessed her brother being shot during a home robbery. Later, she was left at the alter by her fiancee without warning. As she tries to find herself again with all the loss she has suffered, she colors her hair bright red and takes a trip to France. Can she finally move on from her brother's death? Can she trust in love again?

This book has a widespread timeline, from the slave trade in West Africa to the pandemic in 2020. You will read about the Freeman family history as an African American family in New England and their ancestors in the South. The storytelling was beautifully done even with the jumping timeline. It is well paced and keeps you looking to the next step in each person's history. There is family drama, interesting American history, and unlikely friendships with ironic humor. I found the characters to be loveable and wanted a good ending for them all.

Thank you to @netgalley and @atrandombooks for the ARC for review!

I was fortunate to get an advanced copy of Black Cake and am so thankful I got one of Good Dirt. Charmaine Wilkerson knows how to weave a story about generations of a family. This one is connected through a pottery piece known as Old Mo. the reader is taken through generations of the Freeman family and all of their ups and downs. Highly recommend reading this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

This book is a really touching read. I loved how the author explored the ideas of grief and lost not only from the current protagonist POV but also entwined it to past generations. A must read for ones interested in historical fiction, multigenerational storylines, and coming of age stories.

There are so many different plot lines and like the consummate artist that she is, Ms. Wilkerson weaves them effortlessly - so much so that the reader will have trouble putting this book down. A young Ebby hears a gunshot that not only ends a life but changes innumerable others. We meet Ebby as she is about to get married, but then we shift to her life in a cottage in France. Sorry but to say more would provide spoilers. The one thread that ties all of the plots together is a stoneware jug that was created by an ancestor so many years ago. Each of the characters and the story lines will draw you in. Well done, Ms. Wilkerson. Your artistic touch is evident throughout all of the pages.

Good dirt is a story of how tragedy shapes life. It follows a different generations of the Freeman family and tells stories of slavery, love, and loss all centered around a family heirloom Old Mo. Ebony hoods in to trauma spending her brothers death and the breaking of Old Mo which sells into her relationship resulting in a runaway groom. Ebony goes to France in the aftermath and has a reckoning about her past and how she wants to move forward. This story has many layers and will give readers hope to heal and move forward.

This was a beautifully written book! Im not big on historical fiction, but this one takes the cake-by the way, read the author's first novel- Black Cake.
So much history and so many secrets surround this family heirloom jar. Ebby and Ed blame themselves for Baz's death and we slowly see the thread unravel to who may have done it and why. My only complaint is that the author took too long to tell us the inscription on the jar- there were many opportunities earlier in the story to do so. We are also left wondering about the status of Avery, Henry, and Tucker's wife. So sad to see how racism and jealousy played such a big part in this family's story, even in the year 2000. This is a book about grief and how our past still informs our present. I hope everyone will read this and do more research into potters and Black seamen.

I read—or, I should say, tried to read—mainly because of the publisher. It started really well, but after a few chapters, I began to lose interest. I didn't understand the significance of the heirloom; it seemed important, but it just didn't intrigue me. Also, the Ebby-Henry connection didn't interest me. Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me, but I must admit that I am a very impatient reader, so maybe this book simply wasn't the right fit for me.
Thank you for the copy.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson follows Ebony "Ebby" Freeman, a young woman scarred by her brother’s tragic death during a robbery of a family heirloom—a stoneware jar made by an ancestor. Years later, after being left at the altar, Ebby retreats to France, where she confronts her past, her family’s history, and the legacy of the jar.

I absolutely loved Good Dirt! The story spans multiple generations and offers diverse perspectives, delving into themes of family trauma, romance, mystery, and history. The jar, central to the narrative, is richly explored as both a symbolic and tangible part of the family legacy. I highly recommend this book and am excited to add Black Cake to my TBR.