“Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden” by Ebony Adedayo is a beautiful and powerful memoir that explores the author’s journey towards finding healing, community, and self-discovery through gardening.
The book chronicles Adedayo’s life growing up as a Black woman in America, and how her experiences of trauma, loss, and systemic racism led her to seek solace and empowerment through reconnecting with the earth. She shares how her passion for gardening helped her to connect with her ancestors, build community, and cultivate a sense of purpose and identity.
What sets “Soil” apart from other gardening memoirs is the way it explores the intersection of race, gender, and class, and how these factors influence our relationship with nature and the world around us. Adedayo deftly weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and environmental commentary, providing readers with a rich and nuanced understanding of the role of gardening in the Black community and its potential as a tool for social change.
The writing in “Soil” is both lyrical and deeply insightful, with Adedayo’s poetic descriptions of nature and her introspective musings on life and identity. The book is also filled with beautiful illustrations and photographs that add to its visual appeal.
Overall, “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden” is a powerful and inspiring memoir that speaks to the healing power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in gardening, environmental justice, and the intersection of race and ecology.