Jojo is a young boy who is essentially raising his younger sister, Michaela/Kayla, with the help of his grandfather Pop. His Mam (grandmother) has been stricken with cancer. His mother, Leonie, is so encompassed with her passion for Michael (the children's father). Michael is in Parchman Center (prison). This family suffered the loss of Given, Leonie's brother, at a young age.

Leonie doesn't really have the means to be a mother, her own needs will always come first. Michael and drugs are her priorities.

There are ghosts in this story who are looking for a way to leave this earth. Song seems the best way to get them where they should be.

This novel is so beautifully worded. The language draws you completely in.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesmyn_Ward