However, let’s not get it confused, this is Naema’s story. It was really cool to learn more Eloko lore, which I was really interested in back when I first read ASBW, and it was also cool to pick up with Tavia and see her growth. Feeling betrayed, she decides to leave Portland altogether, even if it’s only to visit her family in the southwest for a while. It’s as if there was only one girl allowed to be loved at a given moment in time-which is completely vile-and in this book, Tavia is basking in newfound popularity while Naema’s life is in constant readjustment after she was awakened. Tavia and Naema are not only victims to each other, but also to others, though they’re both just magical Black girls who made mistakes. Something that was between two girls, Tavia and Naema, became a movie that spurred a website, an exile of THE Eloko Princess and a whole lot of mess. Noting this, I think it’s interesting how most girls’ problems and interests are trivialized, but not these girls. What Morrow does wonderfully is take real life situations and put them in a fantastical space that I really love. At least they’ll know at last, who the real villain is.” “ At least the story I’m going to tell will be true. It is all incredibly well done and written with delicacy and care.
We’re also privy to Naema’s personal journey of dealing with life after being Stoned and her identity not only as Eloko but as a Black girl. Naema is described as a popular girl in the first book with an online following on Eloko Verified, also known as LOVE, which is explored more here. It has sections of online articles and messaging transcripts mixed in, which I thought broadened the world and grounded it.
Although, as Morrow writes, “Victims can have victims”.Ī Chorus Rises picks up a year after the events of the first book and is told from Naema’s point of view. “Whatever you think I can do or will do, I promise, you don’t.” While Naema is an antagonist in A Song Below Water, she is surely not a villain because frankly, in my opinion, teen girls cannot be villains-especially girls who are victims, like Naema. Warning: This blog has spoilers for A Chorus Rises by Bethany C.
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